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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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r^EUNioNS OP THE Sur^vivor^s 



Ninetieth. Penna. Vols, 



(INFANTRY,) 



I^attle^field of G^^tti/sburg. 



September ^d ^'- 8z, 
1888. 




September 1st ** ^d, 



DEmCATIDN DF "TREE" MONUMENT. 

Locating their position on the afternoon of July 1st, 1863; junction of Oak Ridge and the 
Mummasburg road. 



EEEICATIDN DP "EAGLE" MONUMENT. 

Front of Ziegler's Grove, western base of Cemetery Hill ; position of July 3d, 1863. 



HErilCiiTiaN of CHiiPLiilN HDRilTin S, HDWELL'S MEMDRIilL 

Within Christ Lutheran Church, Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg, and on the steps 

thereof, where he was killed July 1st, 1863. 



EEEICATION DF "BDULEER" MONUMENT, 

Half way between Cemetery Hill and Round Top ; position on afternoon of July 2d, 1863. 



Souvenir 



> 



Survivors' 




Gettysburg 

1888-9. 



•, 'Vtc 



1 <5^«8 



Compiled by Comrade A. J. Sellers and Published bv the Association. 



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John W. Clark's Sons, Book-Binders, 
7th & Commerce Sts., Philada. 



Rile & Co., and W. H. 'Jipton, 
Photographers, Gettysburg. 




BVT. BRIG. GEfi. PETEI^ IiVUE, 

Commander 19tl-i and 90th, P. V. 
(Deceased July 17th, 1879.) 



®ur pil|rima|G \q Seff^sbui^^. 

The Survivors and their many friends, of both sexes, left 
Philadelphia on Saturday, September 1st, at 11.50 A. M., being 
escorted to the depot by a detachment of the 2d Regiment, 
N. G. P., from their armory, under Lieut. Mcintosh, of Co. I, 
and Lieut. Beans, of Co. B, preceded by the Frankford Band. 
The Mackinaw helmets, ribboned in blue with gold letters, made 
expressly for the survivors, gave them a uniform and soldierly 
appearance; and the handsome badge, woven in silk, was pro- 
nounced the most beautiful and appropriate yet manufactured. 
The torn battle-flags and guidons of the old 90th, and the Bri- 
gade flag, were carried in line, and frequently received a de- 
served ovation, for beneath their battle-scarred folds, many a 
brave and patriotic hero yielded up his life, that the nation 
might live. 

Preparatory to the march, the following order was officially 
promulgated : 

General Order, No. 2. PHILADELPHIA, September Ist, 1888. 

The following comrades will report and be assigned to duty, as fol- 
lows : 

Major Jacob M. Davis, . . Acting Lieu't-Colonel. 

Capt. John T. Durang, . . " Major. 

Capt. John A. Harris, . . " Quartermaster. 

Capt. William P. Davis, . . " Surgeon. 

J. Emory Byram, . . " Ass't Surgeon. 

Joseph G. Patterson, . . . " Paymaster, 

Capt. William H. Warner, . " Aid-de-Camp. 

Capt. Samuel B. Roney, . . " " 



Color-hearers, Wm. PI. Paul, Thos. E. Berger, Johnson Roney. 
Officer of the Day, for Saturday, Capt. George W. Watson. 
" " " Sunday, J. Emory Byram. 

" Mondaj% Lieut. Hillary Beyer. 
Sergeant-Major, . . Patrick Graham. 

Commissary-Sergeant, . . William H. Crouse. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant, . . Robert Earley. 

Right General Guide, . Alex. Reed. 

Left General Guide, . . George W. Hunterson. 

Comrade Alex. Reed will look after Mrs. E. J. Warren's guests. 
" Chas. McKinley " Mrs. Roop's " 

Wm. Weiseisen " Mr. Isaac Gulp's 

Jos. G.Patterson, " Mrs. C. B. Myers' "whose 

residence will be used as Head Quarters. 

It is enjoined upon all participating in this trip, a strict observance 
of dut}', and that each and every one will endeavor to restrain any out- 
side influences that will in any way tend to a breach of discipline and 
decorum, or mar the enjoyment of any of its participants. The veter- 
ans of the 90th know too well how to respect the presence of their lady 
guests. By order, 

A. J. SELLERS, 
W. W. MAYBERRY, Acting Colonel Commanding. 

Acting Adjutant. 

Gettysburg was reached, via Harrisburg, the same day before 
dark, and without any ceremony, we repaired to our respective 
abodes, under escort of our genial hosts, who were in waiting 
and had every arrangement consummated for our mutual enjoy- 
ment and comfort. Colonel Sellers and staff, before retiring, 
were the recipients of a delightful serenade from the G. A. R. 
Band of Gettysburg. Having sought sweet repose by retiring 
early in the evening, we early in the morning assembled at the 
locality known as the "Square," where vehicles were in readi- 
ness to convey us to the battle-field, under the guidance of two 
practical chaperons and lecturers, Capt. Jas. T. Long and Maj. 
Chas. A. Hale. The weather being most auspicious, it was truly 



a da}^ of pleasure and instruction, never to be forgotten — notliing 
omitted, nothing slighted ; our trip was replete with an account 
of almost every incident connected with the encounter, so accu- 
rately compiled and vividly portrayed by the aforesaid comrades 
and students of history. Doubly so was our battle-field trip so 
decided a success, because it was so admirably arranged, where- 
by we were permitted to reach our temporary homes in time to 
enjoy a good square inviting dinner, a short quiet rest and then 
resume our circuit of the field, which occupied until almost 
dark. Nothing of interest escaped our observation, so thorough 
were the labors of our guides. The view from the observatory 
on Big Round Top, on account of the then pure atmosphere, 
was one long to be remembered and appreciated. The writer 
has travelled extensively and cannot call to mind a view, where 
the eye can take in at a glance, such a range of extended and 
beautiful scenery. The observatory at Penn Mar is discernible 
to the naked eye. From Little Round Top, the lamented War- 
ren detected the enemy moving to turn our left flank and thwart- 
ed their efforts by opportune demonstrations, but it was, how- 
ever, a close call. On our way home, we visited the house used 
by Gettysburg's hero, Meade, as his headquarters, and there saw 
the wood chest which had been pierced by a Confederate shell, 
and other evidences of the danger which for a time encircled 
our wise and skillful Commander. 

To crown the pleasures of the day, to cap the climax, as it 
were, we were favored with one of the most beautiful sunsets that 
it was ever our gratification to witness. Everything seemed to 
favor our enjoyment, the weather being most delightful ; and 
from the diversified experiences of the day, we soon found repose 
in the arms of Morpheus. Monday morning, bright and early, 
we were on the alert. The veterans assembled at the Square, 
fully equipped, formed line and marched through Chambersburg 
Street to the depot, carrying the three battle-flags, that seemed to 



inspire the boys with a vigor of manhood and pride, as of yore. 
In five minutes the iron horse had conveyed the entire party 
to the Mummasburg road, where the line was formed; a few 
minutes' march brought us to Reynolds' Avenue on Oak Ridge, 
where we halted in front of the veiled "Tree" monument. A 
large covered stand, provided with seats, had been erected by 
the genial Peter Gulp, to whom we are indebted for kindnesses, 
and in the shadow of this hixury our lady friends sought refuge. 
A smaller stand was occupied by Vice-President Buehler, of the 
Battle-field Memorial Association; Hon. S. McSwope (burgess); 
Rev. J. K. Demarest, President A. J. Sellers, Vice-President 
J. M. Davis, and Hillary Beyer, Chairman of Monument Com- 
mittee; the three latter of the Survivors' Association. Avery 
unique, appropriate and handsome embossed Souvenir program 
was carried out; exercises commenced at 9 o'clock; A. M. 




r<Ui^pyj^ 



Dedication of rpree Monumeni 

Scene of the first clay's fight. Junction of Mummasburg road and Oak 
Ridge, Gettysburg. Survivors' Association 90th Regiment, P. V., 
(infantry) . September 3d, 1888. Anniversary of the acceptance of 
regiment for three years service by the War Department, U. S. A., 
September 3d, 18G1. 
Music — "Reconciliation," Gettysburg G. A. R. Band. 
Invocation — Rev. J. K. Demarest, of Gettysburg : 

O thou, almighty and eternal, who rulest in the affairs of 
nations as well as of individual men, we acknowledge thee the 
God of battles. We thank thee for thy goodness shown in the 
continued life -and health of those whom thou hast permitted to 
re-gather on this spot of sacred memory. We thank thee, that 
with the thoughts now coming back to them of that famous day 
— that awful day of war and blood and death, when last they 
were here side by side, is now associated and forever bound up, 
the knowledge of victory, of a sacred cause, of a united, prosper- 
ous and glorious nation. May the lessons of patriotism, valor, 
self-sacrifice and heroism taught on this field be learned — be 
learned by ourselves, our children, and our children's children. 
Bless our whole nation. More and more may our beloved land 
be as the kingdom of Heaven on earth — a land of abundance, 
of liberty, of righteousness, of peace and of joy. Bless these 
survivors, their accompanying friends, the homes whence they 
have come, and all who are in them. Bless us all. May we do 
well our part in the great battle of life and through Jesus Christ 
gain such victory, as that we may find entrance at last into the 
land of thy presence, where there shall be no more strife, and 
no farewell shall be said forever. Amen. 



8 

Presentation address — Lieut. Hillary Beyer, Chairman: 

Coinradcs and Friends. — The efforts of the Survivors' Asso- 
ciation of the 00th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, with 
the kind assistance of its friends, have been crowned with suc- 
cess in erecting two monuments on the sacred soil of Gettys- 
burg, to mark the spot where the regiment stood as a stone wall 
between their homes and their country's foe. The question 
might be asked just here, "what means this small body of men, 
who call themselves the Survivors' Association?" It means this, 
they are those of the 1600 who were enrolled in the 90th Regi- 
ment, and who have survived the many battles, lost and won. 

The erection of these monuments does not tell the whole 
story of the three long years of toil, hard-fought battles and 
weary marches that the regiment participated in; only the sur- 
vivors themselves can give you that history. The enrollment 
dates from September 3d, 1861, but it first saw its military light 
in the 2d Regiment, National Guards, when its services were 
offered to the government, in response to President Lincoln's 
call for 75,000 men to serve three months; it was accepted as 
the 19th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and when this regiment was 
mustered out of service many of the officers and men were en- 
rolled for three years, under the 90th Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. It was recruited, equipped and encamped at Phila- 
delphia, and on April 1st, 1862, was ordered to the front by way 
of Baltimore and Washington, to Acquia Creek, Virginia, and 
in a short time moved on to Fredericksburg, where it was at- 
tached to Gen. Rickett's Division, Army of Virginia. It was 
here that the regiment was put in light marching order, for the 
purpose of crossing the Rap])ahannock River and on to Rich- 
mond, by way of Hanover Court House. But a new danger 
presented itself — Stonewall Jackson was moving up the valley ; 
Washington, the Ca])itol of the Nation was threatened! An 
order came to retrace our steps, and many days of long marches 



9 

and counter-marches from Fredericksburg to Acquia Creek, 
thence to Alexandria, Manassas, Front Royal, then a return to 
Manassas, then to Warrenton and Rappahannock, to Culpepper, 
to Cedar Mountain, August 9th, 1862, where the regiment re- 
ceived its baptismal fire. After the battle we moved to the 
Rapidan River. But alas, some one had blundered ! and our 
brigade (Tower's) was selected to cover the retreat, made by way 
of Culpepper, then to Rappahannock, where we were under fire, 
then to Warrenton and Thoroughfare Gap, where we joined our 
division, which had stopped the forward march of a whole army 
corps of the enemy. Night closed the conflict. We withdrew 
during the night and by a long, hard march arrived at the memo- 
rable battle-field of Bull Run, August 30th ; we went into action, 
about 4.30 P. M., at a place called Groveton. The conduct of 
our brigade and division called forth special mention by Gen. 
Pope, who commanded. The loss in our regiment was 218, and 
in the brigade, of four regiments, a total of 696, officers and 
men. At the close of the day we fell back to Centreville, then 
to Chantilly, where the brave Kearney and Stevens gave up their 
lives for their country; from Chantilly to Hall's Hill, where we 
became a part of the Army of the Potomac, under McClellan, 
the great organizer of that army. 

The enemy were now in Maryland, and we marched from 
Hall's Hill through Washington and Frederick City, Maryland, 
and on up to South Mountain battle-field, arriving at the close of 
the day, September 14th, 1862, and became engaged about 8.30 
P. M., at the command of "up and at them !" We lost but two 
men, the enemy losing 169; one single volley of buck and ball 
did the work. On September 15th we moved on to Antietam, 
and on the 16th went into position. On the morning of the 
17th we became hotly engaged in the memorable cornfield, 
losing 98, officers and men, in a very short time. You all know 
how the enemy was hurled back into Virginia! 



10 

We went into camp, were supplied with clothing, and then 
moved once more into Virginia. Crossing the Potomac at Ber- 
lin, we arrived in front of Fredericksburg. We crossed the river 
on December 12th, and entered the battle on December 13th, 
1862. This engagement was severe, and resulted in a loss of 
106, officers and men. We recrossed the river and performed 
various kinds of duty near Fredericksburg and Pratt's Point, and 
in the spring of 18G3 went on the memorable "mud march." 
We participated in the second battle of Fredericksburg, and at 
Chancellorsville, where we were under fire. The army fell back 
to the east side of the river, our regiment going into camp at 
White Oak Church. 

In a short time Lee started for Maryland and Pennsylvania, 
and an order came for the old 1st Corps to move also. It is 
needless for me to tell you of the long weary marches through 
Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania. You remember them 
too well, and how we reached this memorable spot where this 
monument now stands, and which I, as Chairman of the Monu- 
ment Committee, am about to convey to the sacred trust of the 
Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association. 

The tablet on this monument tells you and future generations 

the number of men lost on this spot July 1st, 1863. The dove 

(the emblem of peace) perclied on the edge of its nest, proclaims 

the sentiment of brave and true men who fought right here. 

The gun and knapsack attached to the tree proclaim to all that 

the war is over. 
r- 

The monument was covered with the storm flag of the 2d 

IRegiment, N. G., of Philadelphia, the successors of the old 90th 

IP. v.; for be it known, that the 90th was originally the 19th of 
the line (three months' service), previous to which, in tlie ser- 
vice of the State (prior to April, 18(51) it was the 2d Regiment, 

JP. V. M; all three regiments commanded by Col. Peter Lyle, 

/ 



11 

Brevet Brigadier General, whose remains now rest in Ivy Hill 
Cemetery, Philadelphia. At a given signal Capt. John T. Du- 
rang, Co. A, who was carried off the field during the battle, sup- 
posed to have then been mortally wounded, being shot through 
the lung, drew the rope which unfurled the flag (a pole having 
been erected), and to the breeze it floated, amidst the roar of ar- 
tillery, the music of the Star Spangled Banner and the applause of 
the assemblage, as the beautiful, unique and appropriate granite 
representative of the grand old oak of the forest was exposed to 
view. Many were the expressions of delightful approval; and 
by some of the residents pronounced, because of its significance, 
the most appropriate memorial on the grounds when you study 
out the sentiments thereon expressed. The old oak, indicative 
of strength, dignity and manhood; the powerful missile of war 
left its mark and track and even a cannon-ball is imbedded 
therein. In the crevices the birds (in bronze), emblems of love 
and peace, have sought shelter and built their nest above harm's 
•way. The ivy vine (in bronze) entwining around the bark with 
nature's tenacity, symbolic of that fraternity which binds the 
veterans of the war unto each other in charity and loyalty. The 
gun and accoutrements (in bronze) of an infantry soldier (90th 
P. V.) no longer to be used in bloody strife, are suspended from 
a cut off limb, there to hang as a reminder, that compromise after 
compromise proved a failure, and treason was fought out on this 
line — the high water mark of the rebellion — to its ultimate death. 
The disc', in polished granite, represents the 1st Corps badge, 
beneath which is the bronze tablet, inscribed as follows : 

Right of First Corps. 
Here fought the 90th Pennsylvania Infantry on the afternoon of July 
1st, 1863. Killed and mortally wounded, 11; wounded, 44; cap- 
tured or missing, 39 ; total 94, of 208 engaged. Organized October 
1st, 1861 ; mustered out November 36th, 1864. Inscription on the 
bronze knapsack, 90tli P. V., 3d Brigade, 2d Divison, 1st Corps. On 
tlie reverse side (east) is the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms in l)ronze. 



12 

The right and left flank of the regiment, is indicated respect- 
ively by the stump of a tree, cut from granite, the bark as in the 
tree accurately imitated, the top or surface of stump lettered 
"right and left flank, 90th P. V." Our line of battle here 
indicated an angle, one-third facing the west, the remainder 
facing the north, and in this position stood the shock of the 
terrible onslaught. 

Chairman Beyer, in a few appropriate remarks, then intro- 
duced the Hon. S. McSwope, who represented the Battle-field 
Association. The writer has no desire to pass any encomiums, 
other than is deserving, but he would fail of his duty did he not 
say, on behalf of the survivors, that the address was a grand and 
eloquent portrayal of the part enacted by the 90th, and was ever 
so much appreciated by them, inasmuch, as that their hearts were 
made glad by the expressions of commendation, for in well doing 
their aim was accomplished, and actions duly appreciated always 
prompts renewal of praiseworthy deeds. 

Some men are possessed with a presence, seemingly magnetic, 
that at once interests the hearer and wins the closest attention, 
such an one is Burgess McSwope, who so ably accepted the me- 
morial, on behalf of his colleagues, in the following address: 

Mr. Preside fit, Veterans of the goth Fefinsylvania Volunteers, 
Ladies and Gentlemen : 

The Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association compli- 
ments you upon your efficient and perfect work; and it most 
cheerfully receives into its hands, and promises you to guard 
with a loving and continued care, this beautiful memorial of 
yours, you have planted upon the spot where you fought and 
your comrades fell, figliting in defence of the Union, and in try- 
ing to drive back from the free soil of your own loved State, the 
presumptuously invading cohorts of rebellion. 

The ground upon which your monument stands, the enemy 



13 

recovered from you; but your retreat from here was inevitable, 
as you were facing the whole Army of Northern Virginia. And 
yet, in the face of all disadvantages, though fighting with but a 
single line, and against overpowering numbers, how grandly, 
how bravely, and how long you held this position ! 

You were following the instructions of your early lost and 
lamented Reynolds, — you were fighting for time, until reinforce- 
ments could come up, until commanding heights on the other 
side of the town, to which you could fall back, were safely 
secured; and you fought like brave men, long and well. You 
piled this ground with rebel slain, and you conquered, although 
you finally retreated. The stubborness of your resistance here, 
the matchless heroism with which you contested every inch of 
ground, checked the enemy's advance, gave our reinforcements 
a chance to come up and locate themselves, and distinguished 
the valor of our arms on the first day of this battle, as unsur- 
passed hy any fighting that occurred on the second or the third, 
or in the annals of any war. It matters not where you fought, 
or what you did, on the following days, the 2d or the 3d — you 
could not have done more effective or gallant work, than you 
did here. 

Your corps, after a forced march, were first to come on this 
field, to the relief of Buford. Your great commander, anxious 
to see for himself what was best to be done, hastened in person 
to the front, where he was almost instantly killed. What a loss 
to you and the cause of the Union was that! The value of a 
thousand men went down, when the gallant Reynolds fell. 

You will remember you were first formed in line of battle at 
the foot of this hill, and were advanced to its crest just in time 
to meet a fierce charge of the enemy, which you repu/sed. Your 
regiment here performed one of the most difficult movements pos- 
sible in battle, that of changing regimental front while under fire, 
and you did it so creditably and so well, as to secure from your 



14 

brigade commander a complimentary notice thereof in his offi- 
cial report. 

Here you repulsed charge after charge of the enemy, but as 
quickly as you drove back one set of men, others were at hand 
to take their places. Here you captured Iverson's North Caro- 
lina Brigade; and from this place you would not and did not 
go, until humanity could no longer withstand the press of over- 
powering numbers. Here you met the advance of Lee. Stub- 
bornly and for hours you held him in check, thus accomplishing 
much toward the final victory. 

We are glad to see such bravery and devotion to country as 
you and your fallen comrades here evidenced, and which has 
made this hill immortal and this ground sacred, so fittingly 
marked by your beautiful memorial. As we said before, it will 
be our pleasure to guard it with a loving and continued care. 

At the conclusion, many were the expressions of approbation 
from all those who had the fortune to hear it. 

The Survivors' Committee of Arrangements selected its Presi- 
dent to deliver the oration, as a compliment to him for the earn- 
estness and perseverance of his labors, in connection with the 
most successful consummation of everything appertaining to the 
credit and welfare of the organization. 




15 



©rafion af ^ree Monumeni 

Chairman Hillary Beyer introduced Col. A. J. Sellers, Presi- 
dent of the Association. 

Col. Sellers then delivered the following address, but as a 
prelude, heartily thanked the Hon. S. McSwope, on behalf of 
the Veterans, for the very complimentary allusions, so feelingly 
recounted; and the echoes of the artillery (manned by the com- 
rades of Post 9, G. A. R.) seemed to add an additional salutation 
to the eloquence of Gettysburg's distinguished citizen. 

Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

Gettysburg! If ever there be consecrated ground, then can 
you well say, naught is more hallowed except the path the Saviour 
of the world wended, as he ascended the rugged heights of Cal- 
vary. As he died for the salvation of men, so our comrades died 
to make men free. 

Gettysburg, so often quoted as the high water mark of the 
rebellion, was truly the turning point in the war for the preser- 
vation of the Union. The magnitude of the conflict, and its 
far-reaching consequences, give it rank among the world's great- 
est battles. As the years roll by, its interest increases, and 
these memorial shafts are erected in commemoration of the great 
deeds of the heroes who here gave their all, their lives, that the 
Nation should, under God, have a new birth of freedom, and 
that the government of the people, by the people and for the 
people should not perish from the earth. So spoke the immor- 
tal Lincoln, on yonder hill, in 1863. 

"If General Lee wants provisions, let him go and look for 
them in Pennsylvania," was the reply sent from the Richmond 



authorities; and this was the sentiment of its President and the 
popular southern feeling. For this purpose did we find General 
Lee massing his forces in Pennsylvania, July, 1863, concentra- 
ting in the vicinity of Gettysburg. Ewell and Earley had passed 
through the town a few days before, apparently marching on 
Harrisburg, with Philadelphia and Washington as objective 
points. Ascertaining that the Union army was in closer prox- 
imity than he had anticipated, he intended to seek a defensive 
position, and so assured his lieutenants — thinking he would 
have ample time to select and occupy such a one. Gettysburg 
was the point of concentration decided upon, by way of the 
southern and western routes. General Meade was equally de- 
sirous of securing the advantage of a defensive position, and he 
selected for the advance two of his subordinate men, noted for 
quickness of perception, promptness of decision and gallantry 
on the battle-field — Reynolds and Buford — to operate his left 
flank. 

Buford took in the situation at once, and on the early morn- 
ing of July 1st dismounted his two brigades, Gamble and Dev- 
ens', reducing thereby his command one-fourth to care for the 
horses; and at about 8 o'clock in the morning the cavalry en- 
gaged Heth's Division of Hill's 3d Corps Infantry (Archer and 
Davis' Brigades), they supposing their opponents were infantry. 
A severe struggle took place on the banks of Willoughby Run. 
Buford had his artillery admirably posted. His object was 
simply to retard the enemy until Reynolds' 1st Corps, which 
was near at hand, could be placed in position; they having 
that morning made a forced march from Marsh Creek, about 
five miles from Gettysburg. 

The gallant Reynolds, having been informed of the opening 
of the battle by Buford, proceeded in advance of his infantry 
column, following the sound of battle, at full gallop, to bring 
the assurance of speedy relief to our cavalry and its valiant chief- 



17 

tain. And here I desire to speak of the magnificent stand made 
by our gallant troopers, pitted against Hill's veteran infantry. 

The 1st Corps was on the lead in the march from Marsh 
Creek and Emmitsburg, where it had bivouacked for the night of 
June 30th; the 90th that day having made a march of twenty- 
three miles, through mud and rain. General Reynolds com- 
manded the 1st Corps and the advance of the Army of the 
Potomac — the 1st, 11th and 3d Corps. Soon after his arrival, 
about 9.45 o'clock, A. M., in making disposition of his com- 
mand, he was too early made immortal, and in the glory of 
his manhood (but forty-three years of age), rapidly rising to the 
zenith of fame — he fell upon his native soil, a martyr to his 
country, and lamented throughout every loyal State of the land 
he loved. The position selected for the 1st Corps, under the 
direction of General Reynolds, was an inferior one, in compari- 
son to the stragetic one of Cemetery Hill, and knowing that the 
enemy were in advance of us, and that Lee's forces could be con- 
centrated somewhat sooner, he chose the more indefensible one to 
fight upon, so that in the event of disaster, our advancing troops 
could occupy and fortify Cemetery Hill, a powerful line of de- 
fense, with Gulp's and Power's Hills on the right and the two 
Round Tops on the left. As he approached Gettysburg he no- 
ticed the magnificent position of Cemetery Hill; it could not, 
in fact, have escaped his trained military eye. Had he occupied 
that position on the first day, the overwhelming numbers of 
Ewell's and Hill's Corps, would have driven the 1st and 11th 
Corps from it, and perhaps precipitated a disaster dreadful to 
contemplate. 

Cutler's Brigade of Wadsworth's Division (76th and 147th 
N. Y. and 56th P. V.) led the advance of the 1st Corps, facing 
the west, north of the then unfinished railroad. The 95th N. Y., 
14th Brooklyn, with Hall's 2d Maine Battery, were located south 
of the railroad cut. The 56th P. V., Col. J. W. Hofmann, of Phil- 



18 

adelphia, delivered the first infantry volley. On their left was the 
road from Chambersburg to Gettysburg, and still further to the 
left was the Hagerstown road ; upon these roads Hill's Corps was 
moving. Between these roads is the historic Reynolds' Grove, 
extending westward to Willoughby Run. Both armies wanted 
possession of these woods to cover their movements. Gen. Rey- 
nolds ordered the Iron Brigade to enter. They pushed forward 
and were confronted by Archer's Tennessee Brigade, Avho had 
just crossed the run, and by a brilliant movement of Fairchild's 
2d Wisconsin and Col. Morrow's 24th Michigan, of the Iron 
Brigade, turned the right flank of the Confederates, capturing 
several regiments (upwards of 500 men), including their brigade 
commander, Gen. Archer, driving the remainder of the brigade 
beyond the stream at the bayonet's point. 

Pending this movement is when the gallant Reynolds fell, 
supposed to have been shot by a sharpshooter. Heth's Division 
now pressed forward upon our right flank and attacked Cut- 
ler's Brigade, front and flank, they having located en echelon. 
Hall's 2d Maine Battery here lost a gun, which was subsequently 
recaptured. Two regiments of Davis' Mississippians, to avoid a 
withering concentrated fire, were forced into the railroad cut 
and there captured, with their colors. This fortunate occur- 
rence partially relieved Cutler's Brigade. During a lull, Heth 
reorganized his shattered division to await the assistance of Pen- 
der's Division, for a fresh attack. Four weakened brigades had 
been contending with eight well filled Confederate brigades, 
who here found out that their sudden attacks en masse were 
more dangerous and more difficult of execution along the open 
country of Pennsylvania, than among the thickly wooded settle- 
ments of Virginia, where they did not stand in dread of slanting 
fires. The remainder of the 1st Corps were marching into posi- 
tion on the right, it being Doubleday's and Robinson's Divi- 
sions, the former commanded by Gen. Rowley, Doubleday 



19 

having succeeded Reynolds. At 'the same time Pender's Con- 
federate Division was being deployed and the engagement re- 
newed with increased vigor. 

The Bucktails' Brigade, under Col. Roy Stone, were now 
placed north and adjoining the Reynolds' Grove, fighting with 
conspicuous bravery, shouting "we have come to stay;" and 
Biddle's Brigade, located south of the Grove (facing the west), 
with no wood to rest upon to disguise its weakness, was our 
extreme left, where they felt the power of the immense force 
arrayed against them. Rowley's Brigade, under Col. Biddle, 
confronted what seemed to be a division coming down upon 
their front from the west and south in heavy lines, and upon his 
flank, Brockenbrough's Virginians emerged under cover of the 
woods. Cooper's Union Battery was wheeled into position. 
Terrible rents were made in the advancing lines, but closing up 
they came on undaunted. Hillat this time had Pender's Divi- 
sion of four brigades, and Heth's four, making eight large bri- 
gades to six of the 1st Corps. Pender and Heth by this time 
developed their full strength and faced the 1st Corps with nearly 
three times as many men, and their line connected on their left 
with Rodes' Division of Ewell's Corps, who had so opportunely 
arrived from Carlisle. At this juncture our regiment, the 90th 
P. v., went into position under the fire of the guns stationed on 
Oak Hill, and we being on the extreme right of the 1st Corps, 
were obliged to in part refuse, or face the north. Our general 
line of battle was facing the west, frequently en eschelon, and 
upon our regimental front was O'Neal's Alabama Brigade, and 
Page's Virginia Battery stationed at the red barn, where they 
suffered so severely, losing fully one-half their men in killed and 
wounded. Upon Oak Hill, enfilading our line of battle, was 
Carter's Battalion of Artillery, Rodes' line of battle facing the 
south and east, Iverson on our left, Daniels and O'Neal in the 
centre, and Doles far beyond, whose direct line of fire was to 



20 

the left of the 11th Corps; Ramseur's Brigade was in reserve, 
but subsequently engaged. A portion of our brigade took ad- 
vantage of a stone fence, which protected us from view, and as 
Iverson's North Carolinians advanced, which was about 2.30 
o'clock, we delivered such a deadly volley at very short range, 
that death's mission was with unerring certainty, and so destruc- 
tive were the volleys we rapidly delivered that we followed it up 
with a charge, ordered by the plucky Baxter, which resulted in 
the capture of three regiments of the brigade. This was a de- 
cisive blow, but we could not withstand the succeeding lines of 
battle, and the enfilading artillery fire from Oak Hill. Confed- 
erate Rodes, in his report, speaks of his command being sub- 
jected to a murderous enfilade and direct infantry fire from the 
time it commenced its advance. 

O'Neal's- troops felt confident of turning our right — the force 
of the attack fell upon the 90th P. V., your regiment — but they 
were repulsed with heavy loss and the remnants thereof hurled 
back; no longer did they attempt an advance, until we were 
later on ordered to a position near the Seminary, under cover of 
the woods. The brigade of North Carolinians, under Ramseur, 
and O'Neal's Alabamians were held in check by the undaunt- 
ed courage of the gallant Robinson and his troops. The un- 
usually large number of Confederate officers killed and wounded, 
as well as our own, attest to the severity of the conflict and 
the daring of the 1st Corps. Six brigades constituted the corps, 
commanded by Meredith, Morrow, Robinson, Cutler, Biddle, 
Roy Stone, Paul, Wistar, Dana, Leonard and Baxter, and who 
repeatedly thwarted the brilliant charges made by an equally 
valiant foe. Six of these brigade commanders were wounded. 
For over five hours the corps held the enemy in check. At last 
another desperate attack by Daniels, of Rodes' Division, was 
made on Roy Stone's Brigade. The enemy, unable to make 
any impression upon Baxter's and Paul's Brigade of Robinson's 



21 

Division, the blow fell with withering effect upon Roy Stone, 
shortly before 3 o'clock. In two lines the enemy moved for- 
ward, parallel to the pike, but the 149th P. V. sheltered them- 
selves behind the railroad cut, the 143d P. V., Col. Dana, on 
the right and rear of the 149th, The 149th, Col. Dwight, 
poured two terrific volleys, and by a brilliant bayonet charge, 
magnificently supported by the remainder of the brigade, broke 
their lines, and in dismay they fell back, a beaten foe. Davis' 
Brigade, of Hill's Corps, failed to co-operate. Wistar succeed- 
ed to the command, Col. Roy Stone being wounded. Once 
more they moved against the Bucktails (Daniels' and Davis' 
Brigades), from the north-west, only to be again repulsed; as 
also in a subsequent attack, the 150th P. V., under command 
of Col. Huidekoper, distinguishing itself by brilliant fighting, 
ending in a bayonet charge. Huidekoper, though badly wound- 
ed, held his position. Here Col. Wistar, of the 150th P. V., 
commanding the brigade, was wounded. Col. Dana succeeding 
him. 

Frequent assaults were made upon Paul's and Baxter's Bri- 
.gades (the latter including the 90th P. V.), but they stubbornly 
held the ground, and would not be driven from their position, 
until their ammunition began to grow scarce, some having fired 
their last cartridge, and were supplied from the boxes of their 
killed and wounded comrades. Their position now became un- 
tenable, from the numerically overwhelming superiority of our 
foes, who were taking advantage of the gap in our line of battle 
on our right. 

It was then shortly after three o'clock, and the two divisions 
of the 11th Corps had been routed; the 1st Corps was still con- 
tinuing the struggle in the position it had been defending since 
morning. Doubleday, appreciating the new danger to which he 
was about to be exposed, sent to Gen. Howard for immediate 
reinforcements, or the order of retreat. The only support he 



22 

offered Doubleday was Buford's Cavalry, who at the time was 
covering with difficulty the retreat of his corps on the extreme 
right. Reynolds' men can never forget how near they were to 
being sacrificed. Howard was subsequently superseded by Han- 
cock, a junior officer, who had arrived upon the field of action, 
about 4.30 o'clock. Pender's Division of eighteen regiments 
replaced Heth's Division of exhausted and discouraged troops. 
Pender, about 3.30 o'clock, assails the three small brigades of 
Stone, Morrow and Biddle, now reduced to 1500. Rodes' Divi- 
sion of Ewell's Corps, no longer assailed by the 11th Corps, turn 
in for a general attack, supported by thirty pieces of artillery, 
and make a rapid descent upon the stone wall, behind which a 
portion of Robinson's Division was posted, and thus apparently 
hemmed in, the order was given to abandon the position we so 
gallantly had maintained. 

It was at this time that Gen. Paul, who commanded the 1st 
Brigade, was so severely wounded in the head, losing both eyes, 
and the Adjutant of our regiment, David P. Weaver, acting Bri- 
gade Adjutant General, was so severely wounded ; and for all 
this undaunted courage, the 1st Corps was, by a general officer 
of another corps, unfairly criticized, because two regiments of 
Cutler's Brigade, sooner than be annihilated or captured, were 
ordered to fall back early in the fight, under cover of Seminary 
Ridge; but they subsequently returned, achieved brilliant lustre 
by their heroic conduct and manfully held their position with 
the brigade. Our men made a firm resistance around the Sem- 
inary, to which point we withdrew, under cover of the woods, 
and by the aid of our batteries under Col. Wainwright, Chief of 
1st Corps Artillery, beat back the first line of Scales' North Caro- 
lina Brigade, wounding both Generals Scales and Pender. 

Scales says, that he arrived within seventy-five feet of our 
guns, and adds that every field officer but one was killed or 
wounded. Gen. Doubleday, in his report, gives to Baxter's Bri- 



23 

gade of Robinson's Division, of which the 90th P. V, was a part, 
the credit of holding in check the left of Scales' North Carolina 
Brigade, while our artillery withdrew along the railroad embank- 
ment; a portion of the 90th having been in support of Stew- 
art's Battery B (4th U. S. Artillery), north of the railroad cut. 
With all our casualties, the 1st Corps lost but one gun, (Rey- 
nolds' 2d N. Y. Battery), the horses having been shot, and there 
being no time to disengage them. 

About 4.15 P. M. Gen. Doubleday ordered us to fall back 
from the Seminary into the town, the 11th Corps having been 
already driven therein, and many captured in the streets of Get- 
tysburg, It was a stubborn retirement — Scales', Daniels', Ram- 
seur's and O'Neal's Brigades almost surrounded us, — Robin- 
son's men being the last to vacate Seminary Ridge. The 1st 
Corps was broken, but not dismayed, showing the true spirit of 
soldiers. They reached the gate of the Cemetery on the hill, 
which was our rallying point. I call to your mind that this 
magnificent fighting by the 1st Corps was a single line, unsup- 
ported, unrenewed — artillery on its front and right flank — and 
chiefly unprotected by breastworks. It was a series of brilliant 
charges and counter charges. Could there have been a corps up 
at that time to support the 1st, how decisive might have been 
the results. A gallant resistance was made by it between Wil- 
loughby Run and Seminary (or Oak) Ridge, against superior 
numbers, viz.,Heth'sand Pender's Division of Hill's Confederate 
Corps, who, by their own vastly underestimated report of 15,000, 
and four brigades of Rodes' Division of Ewell's Corps of 8,000, 
in all 23,000, marched against the gallant 1st Corps, numbering 
8,200 maximum (three to one), and not until 4 o'clock, P. M., 
did they succeed in dislodging the 1st Corps from their position. 
The records of war present no instance of more gallant, stubborn 
and persistent fighting than that offered by Reynolds' men. 

You will observe that the series of repeated assaults on our 



24 

line were isolated attacks by brigades, and changes of front were 
frequent. Open manceuvering of troops was more fully carried 
out on the first day's battle than is usual, on account of the ty- 
pography of the country ; and the captures made by the 1st 
Corps were by brilliant manoeuvers — chiefly whole regiments, and 
including the only captured confederate unharmed general offi- 
cer (Archer) at Gettysburg, while our losses were isolated men, 
mostly in the falling back from Seminary Ridge, of mixed and 
indiscriminate commands, in the streets and immediate suburbs 
of Gettysburg, where we were hemmed in and the avenues of 
escape so well guarded. The losses sustained by the 1st Corps 
after as brilliant fighting as was done at Gettysburg (with all 
due deference to the valor of other corps), attest to the verifica- 
tion of my assertion. The 1st Corps lost 5,750 out of 8,200 
(70 per cent.); Robinson's Division losing 1,600 out of 2,500 
engaged. These figures tell eloquently of the terrible ordeal 
through which they passed. The Confederates admit a loss on 
the first day of 7,500, and only a loss of 829 in front of the 11th 
Corps ; almost as many casualties as we had effective strength 
in the entire corps. Our loss, however, was proportionately 
greater by far, than that of any other corps engaged, and it in- 
flicted greater damage upon their opponents. Its beloved leader 
fell, but his keen sagacity and military genius gave us the advan- 
tage of position, which finally resulted in a glorious victory. 

Very diverging figures as to the respective strength of the two 
armies have been given by different authorities; therefore it is 
difficult to clearly establish the iact. The Comte de Paris, who 
is considered as an impartial historian, places the Union forces 
engaged — not what was carried on the rolls, as more tolerance 
was shown in the Union army, as to keeping up the effective 
strength, than in the Southern army — at from 82,000 to 84,000 
actual fighting strength, and 327 guns, including cavalry and 



25 

artillery, making proper allowance for the sick, stragglers, de- 
tached men and the like. 

The 6th Corps, the largest in the army, under Sedgwick, did 
not arrive on the field until late in the afternoon and evening of 
the second day, having made a forced march of forty miles, being 
that far away when the battle commenced; consequently they 
did not all receive the shock of battle like unto the other corps. 
Corse's Brigade, of Pickett's Division, and a regiment of Petti - 
grew's Brigade were left at Hanover Junction; also three regi- 
ments of Barley's Division at Winchester, and the ratio of de- 
duction, on account of sick, etc., like unto our own, made the 
Confederates' effective force at 69,000 men and 250 guns, a 
difference of about 14,000 men. There has been too much ex- 
aggeration as to the fighting strength of both armies. 

One peculiarity in the organization of the Confederate forces 
was that troops of the same State almost invariably formed entire 
brigades; this was rarely the case in our army. 

A finer body of disciplined veterans never followed the Stars 
and Bars at any previous period ; its morale was of the finest — 
flushed with victory just before at Chancellorsville. Our army 
had scarcely recovered from that terrible shock, where our casu- 
alties were 17,197, and the Confederates 13,019. The losses on 
this field to both sides were nearly equal, about 23,000 each. 

The number of belligerents at the world-renowned Waterloo, 
June 18th, 1815, was 140,000: Under Napoleon, 72,000; un- 
der Wellington, 08,000. The timely arrival of Blucher's Prus- 
sian Corps (fully 50,000) decisively crushed out Napoleon's 
failure to defeat Wellington. At Gettysburg, the combined 
forces aggregated 152,000, with a joint loss in killed and wound- 
ed of 31,800, in comparison with the joint loss at Waterloo of 
30,600, which occupied but eight hours, while Gettysburg lasted 
three days, but not continuous fighting, owing to the battle be- 



2G 

ing precipitated ere the arrival of our entire army. Waterloo 
and Gettysburg rank as the two greatest battles of modern times. 

Gettysburg was conspicuous for hand to hand fighting, stal- 
wart men were cut down in the saddle ; Confederate Gen. Wade 
Hampton received a severe sabre wound. The Union and Con- 
federate cavalry on the right hew each other with sabres, amid 
demoniac yells, and on the left, Kilpatrick desperately fought his 
cavalry, losing one of the bravest cavalry officers that ever drew 
a sword, Farnsworth, who fell at the head of the 1st Vermont, 
and the Confederate accounts say, though severely wounded, he, 
by his own hand, severed his existence, sooner than surrender. 

In a charge, generally one or the other of opposing ranks 
break before the touch of weapons. The desperate but unsuc- 
cessful charge on the evening of the 2d, by Avery's and Hay's 
Brigade of "Louisiana Tigers," on the 11th Corps and the bat- 
teries of Rickett and Weidrick, who expended 500 pounds of 
canister, was a terrible hand to hand conflict, on the north side 
of Cemetery Hill. Individual bravery was here never surpassed. 
Carroll's Brigade of the 2d Corps charged and saved the day. 
The assault by Wilcox, Perry and White, on the second day, 
penetrating our 3d Corps line on Seminary Ridge, where the 1st 
Minnesota was almost annihilated, equals almost the desper- 
ate, but brilliant attack of Pickett's Division on the third day, 
which history has immortalized. On the left, during the second 
day, the whole space from the Peach Orchard to the Devil's 
Den had been fought over and over; thousands fell in that bloody 
arena. 

Bigelow's 9th Massachusetts Battery particularly distinguished 
itself in a stubborn hand to hand encounter with Humphrey's 
41st Mississippians — the only regiment that actually crossed Plum 
Run, dealing death with fearful ])ace. The battery sacrificed 
itself for the safety of our line; its losses being unequalled by 
any light battery engaged in any battle of the war save one, at 



27 

luka, Mississippi. Its guns were that evening recaptured. In 
the wheat field Col. Jeffers, of the 4th Michigan (5th Corps), was 
killed by a bayonet thrust. And when, at 1.15 P. M., on the 
third day, 150 Confederate guns opened upon our position from 
Seminary Ridge, I shall never forget that artillery cannonade, 
just previous to Pickett's charge, which presented one of the 
most magnificent battle scenes witnessed during the war. The 
hills on either side were capped with crowns of flame and smoke, 
as about 300 guns, equally divided between the two ridges, 
launched their iron hail upon each other. Dense clouds of 
smoke settled over the valley, assisting thereby to cover the sub- 
sequent advance of Pickett's and a portion of Hill's command. 
The shells went hissing and screaming on their errand of death, 
through the dense vapor; numbers exploded over the valley, 
apparently with venomous impatience, as they met each other in 
mid-air, lighting up the clouds with smoke like flashes of lurid 
lightning. While this grand artillery duel was in progress, with 
the thermometer indicating 87 degrees in the shade, Pickett's, 
the last division to reach the field and the only Confederate 
division that had not been engaged, followed with his world- 
renowned charge of Virginia troops, and a portion of Hill's 
Corps. In three lines, with inadequate support, they press for- 
ward on their fatal march, taking and dealing death at every 
blow. Like leaves in autumn gales, they drop along the line. 
The summit is reached ! Meade's line is broken in the very 
centre of our position, crowning Cemetery heights with the flag 
of Virginia and the Confederacy; they bear themselves with a 
gallantry that cannot be surpassed. Into their ranks we pour a 
deadly fire, before which the Confederate line curls and withers 
like leaves in the flames. No panic seized the Union troops ; 
with one spontaneous effort officers and men fell upon them like 
an avalanche, and the flag of the Confederacy drops on the high 
tide of the rebellion, — Gettysburg is won ! 



28 

A desperate attempt was made to drive us from Gulp's Hill, 
on the morning of the 3d, after we had recaptured our vacated 
works, and from the Round Tops on the afternoon of the 2d ; 
and while all efforts to turn our flanks failed, the Confederates, 
notwithstanding, exhibited a degree of valor unsurpassed by any 
troops of modern times. It was truly, jointly, American valor. 

The fighting of our batteries throughout was of the grandest 
and most fearless character, frequently hand to hand, an example 
of which is seen in Cushing's grand defense and noble sacrifice. 
The brilliant manoeuvering and charges to and fro, on the field 
of the 1st Corps, resulted in the capture of entire rebel regi- 
ments and a general officer; and when overwhelmed, the dis- 
ciplined withdrawal of the 1st Corps, fighting and disputing the 
ground foot by foot, won for them the admiration alike of friend 
and foe. 

The contest of the first day, I am sorry to say, has by some 
been underestimated, who prate that the battle of Gettysburg 
was fought only by the contestants of the second and third days. 
The 1st Corps opened the battle and was in at the final blow. 
On the second day it was divided. 

Wadsworth's Division at Culp's Hill, prolonging the line of 
the 12th Corps on the evening of the 2d, assisted in the repulse 
of a ferocious attack by Ewell. Robinson's Division was in sup- 
port of the 3d Corps, after their repulse early on the evening of 
the 2d. On that eventful Friday of the 3d, Doubleday's Divi- 
sion was on the left of the 2d Corps, where the stalwart Green 
Mountain boys, under Stannard, received their baptismal fire 
and so brilliantly crushed in the flanks of Pickett's and Wilcox's 
men, at that most decisive hour, leaving no silver lining in the 
clouds that hung so darkly over the field, to cheer the drooping 
spirits of the foeraen, worthy of our steel. 

Who can measure the evils that would have resulted, had our 
erring brethren succeeded. Possibly we should now have a dis- 



29 

membered Republic, slavery still in existence, and woe and 
humiliation beyond conjecture; but it was decreed otherwise. 
To an all wise Providence we ascribe praise and thanksgiving. 

The war is over. In a day, the two armies returned to peace- 
ful citizenship, and no punishment was inflicted on the van- 
quished. Against a foreign foe the blue and the gray would 
merge wholly into the red, white and blue. True, the resent- 
ments of the war linger here and there, but chiefly, like the 
scattered flashes of the lightning on the edge of a thunder- 
cloud, just passed by. 

The Confederate soldier believed equally with us that he was 
fighting for the right, and maintained that faith with a courage 
that fully sustained the reputation of "American" valor, and 
yet, one side or the other was wrong. The God of Battles de- 
cided for Liberty and Nationality. The outgrowth of their 
failure has been the magnificent development of the South, and 
the hills and mountains are yielding up their treasures, to the 
founding and building of new Birmingliams and Shefiields. 

Take, for instance, the construction of railroads during the 
present year. The South is far ahead. California first, but 
Georgia next, with 195 miles; tlien Alabama, 146 miles. The 
greatest activity is thus to be seen in the South. These enter- 
prizes open and develop territory, and invite emigration to a 
new agriculture and to mines of wealth. 

The youth of the land are now taught and imbued with the 
sentiment that this Republic is not a confederacy of independ- 
ent States, but a Nation, with power to use the last dollar and 
enlist the last man to maintain the authority of the (Constitution 
and the supremacy of the Flag. It required complete and utter 
exhaustion, so as to leave no truce to recuperate for subsequent 
agitation; hence to close the conflict in the early years of the 
rebellion, would have left an unconverted and unreconstructed 
people. 



30 

I call to mind, how often do we hear that the "pensioner" 
is a term of reproach, instead of honorable recognition of the 
country's gratitude. These men, at a compensation of S13.00 
a month, left behind them prospects for promotion in their re- 
spective vocations; in most cases gave the best period of their 
life, and for three years or more, marched under blazing suns, 
slept upon the ground, breathed the miasma of the swamps, 
racked with fevers, endured the horrors of the prison-pen, and 
amidst shot, shell, and sabre thrust, kept their colors aloft to 
eventual triumph, which secured for the people of the Republic 
and their descendants, civil and religious rights and business 
opportunities unsurpassed, if even equalled by any other nation. 
The spirit of patriotism will ever continue and protect these 
grand results. We are a Republic ! a tried Republic — tried in 
the crucible of fire — enduring to the end of time. 

Comrades — age, disease and death are fast thinning our ranks. 
Our active service will soon be only glorious memories for the 
inspiration of others. Our story will be the recruiting sergeant 
of coming generations. Two grand facts stare us in the face, 
facts standing like monuments at the beginning and close of our 
grand old Army of the Potomac: It owes its existence to the 
masterly organizing abilities of McClellan and ended the war 
under the superb generalship of Grant. As we recall the memo- 
ries of the dead, the spirits of all the warrior heroes of the past 
come floating before us. Washington and his generals! En- 
rolled in their company and encircled with their glory, are Grant 
and McClellan, Meade and Reynolds, Hooker and Hancock, 
Burnside and Kearney, Thomas and McPherson, Sedgwick and 
Sumner, Warren and Sykes, Custer and Kilpatrick, Farragut 
and Foote, and last, our lamented Sheridan, who so gallantly 
plucked victory from defeat. 

Let us recall to mind that noblest of historical groupings, 
when Lee, the brilliant strategist, surrendered to the greatest 



31 

soldier of his time, the lamented Grant, and there sealed anew 
the life of the nation; and last, but not least, the rank and 
file— whose glittering walls of steel environed and encom- 
passed that brave and fearless band of southern soldiery at 
Appomattox, 

But who shall tell of the unknown heroes who have fallen 
unmarked, unhonored and unsung? 

What bright hopes may there be buried, 

Who the slain ' ' no one can say ;" 
Yet we know "somebody's darling" 

Sleeps on yonder hill to-day. 

On his grave the sunlight lingers. 

And the silvery moonbeams fall ; 
Though he sleeps far, far from kindred — 

Sleeps until the last great call. 

Who shall eulogize those of lower rank, who, upon the field 
of battle, have in their places displayed a degree of courage 
rarely excelled, seldom equalled? Who shall record the sac- 
rifices of the humble and lowly soldier or sailor? While much 
depended upon the commander of an army, yet the personal 
efforts would avail nothing if not seconded by the heroism and 
devotion of their men. 

Twenty-five years have passed since you stood in battle array 
on this sacred spot, consecrated by the blood of many a true 
and valiant soldier. The echoes and passions of war have faded 
away. The charm of your soldier life, its bonds of friendship 
and its glorious memories still linger. We have met to-day to 
dedicate two Monuments to mark the two positions of the old 
90th P. v., in which you so faithfully served — your watch-word, 
"one country and one flag." Those sacred folds, that we fol- 
lowed in war and cherish in peace, are now in the hands of the 
gallant defenders, Sergeants William H. Paul, Thomas E. Ber- 
ger and Johnson Roney, who carried them on hard fought battle- 



32 

fields, and beneath their precious folds fell Sergeant Roney, 
maimed for life. Comrade John C. Bowen touches elbows with 
us here, under the same old brigade flag that he so bravely car- 
ried aloft a quarter of a century ago. I quote — "Proud memo- 
ries of many fields. * * Sweet memories of valor and friend- 
ship. * * * 3a^(j memories of fallen brothers and sons, 
whose dying eyes looked last upon their flaming folds. * * * 
Grand memories of cherished virtues, sublime by grief. * * * 
Exultant memories of the great and final victories of our coun- 
try, the Union and the righteous cause. t- * * Thankful 
memories of a deliverance wrought out for human nature, unex- 
ampled by any former achievement of arms. * * * Immor- 
tal memories, with immortal honors blended, twine around the 
splintered staffs and weave themselves amidst the fabrics of our 
country's flags, war-worn, begrim'd, and baptized with precious 
blood." 

The statistics of the War Department show that you entered 
the fight with 208 ofiicers and men, and after a contest of three 
hours, exhausted your cartridges. We left the field when com- 
manded, with a list of casualties amounting to 94, equal to 48 
per cent. Your position was one of great danger, and in mili- 
tary parlance, the post of honor, being on the extreme right of 
the 1st Corps Rodes' Division of Ewell's Corps kept you 
actively engaged, and you in turn did not forget to help take 
good care of Iverson's North Carolina Brigade, and grandly 
repulsed the onslaught made by O'Neal's Alabama Brigade. 
Page's Confederate Battery, located on your front, at McLean's 
red barn, lost very heavily; and frequently, Carter's Battalion 
of Artillery, stationed on Oak Hill, reminded us that we were 
in range. Our position was a trying one, and when the 11th 
Corps, who failed to connect their left with our right, by almost 
one-half mile, were hurled back by Ewell's command, our posi- 
tion was truly then a precarious one. As I have already de- 



33 

scribed, after taking up a position with our depleted numbers 
upon Cemetery Hill, we supported batteries on the second day, 
and late in the afternoon moved to the left in support of the 
3d Corps, our regimental skirmish line bringing in the Confed- 
erate General Barksdale, who fell mortally wounded but a short 
time before, in making that brilliant charge with his Mississippi 
Brigade. On the morning of the third day we lay between 
Cemetery Hill and Gulp's Hill, ready to support the 12th Corps 
and a portion of our 1st Corps under Wadsworth, who repulsed 
the formidable attack of Ewell's to turn our right flank; and 
Stuart with his Confederate cavalry repulsed by Pleasanton, try- 
ing to capture the Baltimore pike, so that in the event of disaster, 
our retreat would be cut off, — adroitly conceived, but, through 
the indomitable bravery of our gallant soldiers, frustrated. 

The war is over ! The dove, which brought the glad tidings 
of a regenerated world, here is used to symbolize the era of peace 
and good will between man and man. The wearers of the blue 
and the gray have met each other in the field, have manfully 
fought out their differences, accepted the situation, discarded 
the bitterness and animosities of the war, and now recognize 
that we are all of one country and one flag, desirous only to 
increase our country's greatness and prosperity. 

We have no enmity for those 
Who, by their acts not ours, were foes — 
But charity : and from malice free, 
Would cherish with sincerity. 

I'lie roll-call shortens fast; the list of casualties is not yet 
complete ; the strain of that long struggle is fast laying even our 
strongest low ; we close up our thinner ranks, shoulder to shoul- 
der, heart to heart, holding nearer and dearer together. 

May the God of heaven bless this day's work, and may it add 
to the sanctity of a wedded affection for the land we love, "the 
land of the free and the home of the brave." 



34 

The oration was listened to with profound attention from 
beginning to end, the details having been accurately compiled 
from the best authorities; and at times, when the speaker di- 
rected his hearers to the typography of the surrounding scene, 
whence charged the foe, and in fervent language depicted tlie 
result, how the hearts of the veterans throbbed with the emo- 
tions of the scene, then and now, and how sympathy and pride 
was stimulated in the hearts of the veterans, whose nearest of 
kin were present to mutually share in the joys, pleasures and 
thanksgivings of a reunion of fraternal hearts, welded together in 
the heat of carnage, twenty-five years ago. 

An incident of unusual importance transpired during the 
address, relating to the regiment's flags, which awakened the 
tenderest sensibilities, as the bullet-riddled flags of the regi- 
ment were advanced in line to the front, by the surviving color 
bearers, Comrades William H. Paul, Johnson (Magistrate) Ro- 
ney, who was crippled for life while bearing aloft the colors 
presented by the Sixth Ward School Section, and Thomas E. 
Berger, also wounded; all color-sergeants, spared to again bear 
aloft the sacred battle-flags, in peace as in war. 

At the conclusion of the address the speaker was heartily 
applauded, warmly shaken by the hand and congratulated by the 
honored guests present occupying the stand. 

The band at once struck up the National Hymn, "America," 
and the audience joined in with hearty and enthusiastic accord, 
singing 

"My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet hind of liberty." 

Comrade Mayl)erry, the tenor robusto, wielding the baton in his 
usual happy vein. 

The exercises were here concluded by the Rev. J. K. De- 
marest, who in a most feeling and impressive manner, pro- 



35 

nounced the benediction ; a fitting close to a most interesting 
and long to be remembered ceremony. 

The battle-field photographers, Rile & Co., and W. H. Tip- 
ton, had their guns (cameras) mounted, and at once commenced 
to lay siege to the place, soon capturing it, with all its adjuncts. 
For once, the veterans quietly submitted to the onslaught and 
grouped around the monument, the artists succeeded in obtain- 
ing excellent pictures of the veterans, their families and friends, 
likewise their guests. For years to come, with what pleasurable 
sensations they can look and live on the history of the past, in 
which they enacted so honorable and conspicuous a part. As 
the years roll on, how much more will they be prized by their 
children and grandchildren, who will speak reverently of their 
father's loyalty and patriotism. Loving hands, who accompanied 
us from Philadelphia, decorated the monument with flowers, and 
then ended the exercises at this "post of honor." The line of 
march was then resumed to the special train near at hand, pend- 
ing which our old comrade in arms, John Stulen, Jr., of old 
Co. H, just arrived from Pittsburgh, and was heartily greeted, he 
having hastened to this scene, commemorative of a bright day 
in his soldierly career. We also had with us a comrade who was 
endeared to us all, P. A. Graham (Paddy Graham), the drum- 
mer boy of Co. A, who did the foraging for the corps, and was 
a travelling storehouse for epicureans. How do you suppose he 
managed it? That little drum of his did the work — and he 
never got left. He now resides at Escondido, San Diego County, 
California, a prosperous merchant, and came all the way to at- 
tend the reunion of his old comrades, and renew the ties of 
fraternity begotten in the tempest of war. The train soon land- 
ed us at the Emmitsburg road, about a half mile below the cele- 
brated Ziegler's Grove. 



36 



Dedication of Ga^le Monument. 

ZIEGLER'S CRDlfE, (11 a'clock, R. M.) 



Surrounding the veiled monument was a large gathering of 
visitors, awaiting the arrival of the special train from the Mum- 
masburg road, where the interesting ceremonies attending the 
unveiling of the "Tree" monument had just been consummated. 
Promptly as ordered, the train arrived and the line of march was 
formed on the Emmitsburg road, preceded by a train of car- 
riages containing our guests and the cri])pled veterans, followed 
by the Gettysburg G. A. R. Band, in their handsome uniforms, 
discoursing most exhilarating music, but very subdued and tame 
compared to the music of the whirring "minnie" and shrieking 
shell, that saluted our ears twenty-five years ago, as we trod this 
identical Emmitsburg road. In a most self-complaisant mood 
we kept step to the sound of sweet music, as it reverberated over 
this historic spot, and, as we neared our second tribute to our 
comrades' memory, the valley resounded with tlie echo of Super- 
intendent Nick Wilson's G. A. R. Battery, seen in the distance 
on the elevation, reminding us of the old shout "lie down." It 
was a sight long to be remembered. Colonel Sellers halted the 
command and formed a square, when a most beautiful selection 
of music, entitled the "Soldier's Dream," was admirably per- 
formed by the band, followed by the unveiling of tlie monu- 
ment, with artillery salute, and "Hail Columbin " also rendered 
by the band. 

Chairman Hillary Beyer then presented the monument to 
the Commissioners, in the following appropriate address: 



37 

Comrades and Friends : 

This monument marks the spot where the 90th Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers; stood on the afternoon of July 3d, 
1863, at the time Pickett's Division made its famous charge 
across this plain, and was so handsomely repulsed by the Union 
troops. By this repulse the crowning blow was given which 
finished the battle and gave a victory for the Union. 

Although the battle of Gettysburg was a crushing blow to the 
Confederacy, the war was not over. Many long marches and 
hard-fought battles were participated in by the 90th Regiment. 
The official account of the War Department of the losses in this 
regiment, of officers and men, in battle up to and including Get- 
tysburg, gives 518, or about one-half of the number taken to the 
front April 1st, 1862. 

From this spot back to Virginia, under General Meade, they 
were engaged in the Mine Run campaign. This ended their 
work for 1863. 

General Grant came, and the first blow was struck in the 
Wilderness, May, 1864. The old 90th fought valiantly there, 
as also at Laurel Hill (making three bayonet charges in a single 
day), Spottsylvania, South Anna River, Bethesda Church, Cold 
Harbor, Petersburg, Jerusalem Plank Road, Weldon Railroad, 
and Poplar Spring Church. 

The losses in officers and men, in all these hotly-contested 
battles, were very heavy, and I have no official returns to show 
the actual number. I wish just here to refer to the officers and 
men captured during this campaign, and especially those taken 
at the battle of Yellow Tavern, or Weldon Railroad, on August 
19th, 1864. Our brigade and regiment fought nobly! and re- 
pnlsed the enemy in our front, but by some mistake they were 
allowed to get in our rear. The order came to us to fall back, 
but its execution was impossible. Here Lieut. Bonsall was killed 
and one hundred taken prisoners, including Lieut. Col. William 



38 

A. Leech and Major Jacob M. Davis. Thirty-four of the ninety- 
eight enlisted men captured perished in prison, and many more 
died afterward of disease contracted in those terrible places in 
which they were incarcerated. It is useless for me to tell you of 
the sufferings of those men; history has already recorded them 
as one of its blackest pages. 

The 90th Regiment was mustered out of service November 
26th, 1864, two companies being organized out of the veterans 
of the regiment, who served in the 11th Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. 

Many instances of individual bravery and heroism might be 
recorded of this regiment that would till a volume, but time will 
not permit. Truly has it been called a "blood-christened" 
regiment. We can only say of those who fell, "they have 
fought a good fight, finished their work, ai1d gone to their final 
reward." 

I now convey this monument to the sacred trust of the Get- 
tysburg Battle-field Memorial Association. 

Burgess McSwope then feelingly received the Ninetieth's 
second memorial, on behalf of the Battle-field Association, 
greeting the survivors with the evidence of their energy, per- 
severance and reverence, in thus commemorating the brilliant 
deeds of their comrades. After appropriate selections by the 
band, Col. Sellers proceeded to speak as follows: 

Comrades : 

Briefly will I recount to you, that during Pickett's famous 
charge, on the afternoon of the 3d, you were brought over on the 
double-quick to support the 2d Corps, and arrived just in time 
to witness the collapse, many of the vanquished Confederates 
passing through our line to the rear. We were then placed in 
position in front of this (Ziegler's) grove. So accurate was the 
fire of the Whitworth guns from the Confederate left, that we 



39 

temporarily withdrew under cover of the grove, from whence 
we furnished details to the skirmish line, some of whom took 
shelter in 

"Those low green tents 
Whose curtains never outward swing, " 

At the recent reunion on yonder hill, a now much distinguish- 
ed citizen, who fought as a general officer on the other side, man- 
fully proclaimed, in all sincerity, that the cause for which they 
fought was eternally wrong, and that we were eternally right. 

Swords will never again be drawn to sever the Union. The 
graves of the fallen on both sides now bind the nation together, 
and there is a grand future before us. A broader and healthier 
sentiment prevails, and we look back upon the scenes with won- 
der and amazement. 

In front of this grove you have erected a second monument, 
whereon is inscribed your record in more extended phrase than 
our representative of the stalwart oak tree, on Seminary Ridge, 
will warrant us doing. 

Comrades, how forcibly am I reminded, as I look into your 
faces and discern the evidences of time, that life is short at best, 
and that the prime of your life was devoted to your country's 
salvation. Your locks, that were once like the raven, are fast 
changing to white as snow, yet down the hill side of life we'll 
go, hand in hand, and at the foot sleep together in Fraternity. 

"Praise God from whom all blessings flovv " was then ren- 
dered in chorus by the entire audience, with band accompani- 
ment, followed by the benediction from Rev. J. K. Demarest, in 
his usual impressive manner. 

Once more we touched elbows around our third day's memo- 
rial, and also in company groups. Rile & Co., and W. H. Tipton, 
the celebrated photographers, caught the sentiment, and eventu- 
ally the dollars of the participants, but it was a just equivalent. 



40 



DGScripfion of Ea^le Monumeni 



Invincible Banner ! the Flag of the Free ! 
Oh, where treads the foot that would falter for thee, 
Or hands that would be folded till triumph is won. 
And the Eagle looks proud as of old to the sun. 

Made of Westerly granite, surmounted by drum, complete in 
detail, the head of which being a disc or circle represents the 
corps mark; perched thereon was a very large and handsome 
bronze eagle, in the act of arising, the wings partially distended, 
measuring over five feet from tip to tip. A bayonet is cut on 
the apex or four corners of the top base which supports the drum. 
The following inscription is cut on the front of the monument: 

" This Regiment, recruited in Philadelphia, responded to the first 
call, April 16th, 1861, served until August 9th, as the 19th P. V., reor- 
ganized October 1st, 1861, as the 90th P. V., serving in the 1st and 5th 
Corps, and participated in all the important battles of the Army of the 
Potomac, until mustered out, November 36th, 1864. 

"NON SIBI SED PA TRIM." 

In the centre of the panel is cut in relief and blended the 
1st and 5th Corps badges, polished, in which corps the regiment 
served. The bronze tablet on the north or right side of the 
monument reads as follows: 

"Erected by the 'Survivors' Association,' aided by grateful 
friends, to commemorate the valor and patriotism of our honored dead, 
and the cause for which they and their comrades fought. 

"This monument marks the position of the 90tli Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, of Philadelphia, July 3d, 1863 ; Colonel Peter Lyle com- 
manding the 1st Brigade, Major A. J. Sellers the Regiment. July 
1st, from 1 to 3 o'clock, P. M., the Regiment fought on the extreme 



41 

right of the 1st Corps, on Semiuary (Oak) Ridge, as indicated by its 
monument there ; eight companies being refused, facing the Mummus- 
burg road. It there engaged Page's Virginia (Confederate) Battery 
and O'Neal's Alabama Brigade, of Rode's Division, until its ammunition 
was exhausted ; losing 11 killed and mortally wounded, 44 wounded, 
39 captured and missing ; total 94, out of 208 engaged. 

"Three regiments of Iverson's North Carolina (Confederate) In- 
fantry were captured on our brigade front. July 2d it occupied Ceme- 
tery Hill, and in the eve-ning moved to tlie left of the 2d Corps, return- 
ing during the evening to this position." 

On the east, or rear side, is a bronze representation of the 
ammunition used by the 90th, the buck and ball, which is fas- 
tened in a circular recess, encircled by the words "Buck and 
Ball, calibre 69," cut in the stone. 

On the south panel is a beautiful bronze representation of 
the canteen in bas relief, lettered "90th P. V.," suspended by 
the strap from a nail, partially encircled by a wreath of oak and 
laurel — very natural and artistic, even to the acorns, which are 
blended in with the oak leaves. The noble sentiments, "Fratern- 
ity, Charity, Loyalty" in large letters in a semi- 
circle above the canteen, which Miles O'Reilly so 
eloquently portrayed : 

"We have shared our blankets and tents together, 
We have marched and fought in all kinds of weather, 

And hungry and full we have been. 
We had days of battle and daj^s of rest. 
But the memory that clings to us best. 

We have drank from the same Canteen. 

"90th Pennsylvania Volunteers,"— " 2d Brigade,"— "2d 
Division," — "1st Corps," are respectively cut, in large polished 
letters, on all four sides of the base, next below panel. This 
memorial is located just without the grove (Ziegler's), at the 
base and west of the National Cemetery, on the turn of the 




42 



avenue (Hancock) constructed by the Battle-field Association. 
Two markers designate where the right and left flanks rested. 
This monument was erected without any State aid, — solely by 
the generosity of the comrades and their many friends. 

The line of march was then resumed to the train in waiting, 
which soon hurried us to our destination, the town, where we 
dispersed to our various hostelries to enjoy the goodness of a 
beneficent Providence. 




43 



fpl^e Deparfure. 



The last hour spent in Gettysburg rapidly passed away. The 
kind wishes and hearty congratulations of newly made acquaint- 
ances and friends will linger in our memory, like bright spots in 
the oasis of time. 

At 1.10 P. M. we were comfortably seated in the train, and 
amid the salutations of comrades — some of whom remained with 
their families, others to take a different route — and the "good 
bye, God speed you," of appreciative friends was spoken, we 
sped on our way, longingly glancing at historic Gettysburg, as 
it vanished from our gaze, and then we momentarily relaxed into 
a state of quietude, to think and meditate over the pleasant and 
enjoyable incidents of our much delightful journey to the mecca 
of American valor. The hours rapidly passed by, as we wended 
our way homeward on the "meteor" train, interspersed with 
scenes of a most humorous character, — trials by courts-martial, 
always resulting in a unanimous conviction, and the most ludi- 
crous sentences. Our enjoyment was a theme of mutual con- 
gratulation, and longing for a reunion next year and for years to 
come. We are now nearing our journey's end; Philadelphia's 
marble edifice, like a beacon light, is looming up in the dis- 
tance; we cross the winding Schuylkill, and at 7 o'clock, P. M., 
roll into Pennsylvania's spacious depot, to give the parting kiss 
and to one and all speak the parting words, "good-bye!" 
"happy days! !" and yet again, "good-bye! ! !" 




44 



P 



pai'ticipanfs ir\ \\lQ DGdicaiory Gxei'cisGS. 



-SORVIVOt^S— 



Henry S. Allebaugh. 

Lieut. Hillary Beyer. 

Sergt. Thomas E. Berger. 

Corp, George Beck. 

J. Emory By ram. 

Lt. Henry J. Bockius. 

Com. Sergt. William H. Crouse. 

Hudson B. Calvert. 

Capt. Frank A. Chadwick. 

Sergt. Christian C. Crouch. 

Bo wen M. Cave. 

Capt. John T. Durang. 

George B. DeHaven. 

Capt. Wm. P. Davis. 

Capt. John S. Davis. 

Maj. Jacob M. Davis. 

Jefferson Davis. 

Sergt. Robert J. Early. 

Corp. Thomas F. Fenlin. 

Lieut. Edward W. Ferry. 

Lieut. Edward J. Gorgas. 

P. A. Graham. 

W. B. Geiyer. 

Corp. Thomas H. Gardner. 

John Howell. 

Cor[). George W. Hunterson. 

James Hughes. 

Lieut. John A. Harris. 

Philip Kalavur. 

William D. Lelar. 

John C. Levick. 

Kirk Marple. 



Lieut. Charles McKinley. 

Sergt. Richard W. Morris. 

Joseph Miles. 

Eduard Miller. 

Sergt. Chas. C. McCormick. 

William W. Mayberry. 

D. J. McAllister. 

R. P. Northrup. 

William O'Keefe. 

Joseph G. Patterson. 

Sergt. Josiah Pancoast. 

Sergt. William H. Paul. 

Sergt. George W. Potts. 

Sergt. Alexander Reed. 

Capt. Samuel B. Roney. 

Capt. Nathan Raymond. 

Sergt. Johnson Roney. 

Sergt. John Robson. 

A. T. Rottenbury. 

Sergt. Charles F. Simmons. 

John A. Sergeant. 

A. J. Sellers. 

William H. Siner. 

Augustus Sauerman. 

John Stuleu, Jr. 

Sergt. Benjamin H. Tyre. 

Corp. A. M. Theiss. 

Capt. William H. Warner. 

William Weiseisen. 

William S. Wismer. 

Capt. George W. Watson. 



45 



— GUESTS RfiD RCCOmPflfJYiriG pi^IEflDS — 

Col. C. H. Buehler, Vice-President Battle-field Association. 

Hon. S. MeSwope, Battle-field Association. 

Rev. J. K. Demarest, Gettysburg. 

N. G. Wilson, Esq., Battle-field Association. 

John M. Gessler, 19th P. V. 

George E. Paul, 185th P. V. 

Theodore Leidig, 4th N. Y. V. 

Jacob Raymond, Commissary Sergeant, 19th Pa. Cav. 

Capt. Charles H. Worman, N. G. P. 

Philip Hichborn, Sr., Boston, Mass., (since deceased.) 

William Hichborn, 

Christian Roch, 

Charles J. Roney. 

Henry Fowl, Pennsgrove, N. J. 

Jacob M. Davis, Jr. 

H. V. B. Osbourn. 

Masters Willie and Bert Weiseisen. 

Master Arthur Hughes. 

" Miles. 

" Bockius. 

Mrs. Nathan Berkenstock. Mrs. Robert J. Early. 

E. A. Ashmead. " D. J. McAllister, New York 

Hillary Beyer. " Geo. W. Watson and daugh- 

Jolmsou Roney. ter, Washington, D. C. 

William D. Lelar. " John M. Gessler. 

S. A. White. " Jefferson Davis. 

John Robson. " James G. Osbourn. 

R. P. Northrup, Tunkhan'ck " Edward DeCernea, N. York. 

Charles F. Simmons. Miss Lillie Berkenstock. 

Edward J. Gorgas. " Sadie Billman. 

Cliarles C. McCormick. 




46 



(^oiTGspondGncG. 



The following correspondence, appertaining to the presenta- 
tion of the handsomely framed photographs of our two monu- 
ments by the Association, is explanatory of itself. 

Philadelphia, November 7th, 1888. 
Commander and Comrades of Alexander Hamilton Post, No. 182, 
Department of New York, G. A. R. 

Greeting : — On behalf of the Survivors' Association of the 90th 
P. v., I have the honor to request your accei^tance of the accompa- 
nying framed photographs of our regimental memorials, erected on 
the historic field of Gettysburg, where our i-egiment held the ex- 
treme right of tlie 1st Corps for tliree hours, against superior num- 
bers, pending which our ammunition was exliausted. We were 
pleased to have in our brigade the 82d New York (9th miUtia), of 
your city, wliich distinguished itself so admirably on that memora- 
ble day. 

The interchange of sentiment and feeling between soldier organi- 
zations, prompt us to congratulate you in having enrolled in your 
Post a comrade of our organization who so faithfully did his dutj', 
and won for himself the admiration of his comrades of the old 90th. 

We salute you, in being mutually honored with us in the appoint- 
ment on the G. A. R. Department Staff of your State, our worthy 
comrade, D. J. McAllister, as Ass't Inspector, with rank of Major. 

With the assurance of our highest regards and fraternal greet- 
ings, we are Yours sincerely, in F., C. and L., 

A. J. SELLERS, 

President. 

In response thereto the following communication was re- 
ceived : 

Head-Quarters Alexander Hamilton Post, No. 182, 
Department of New York, G. A. R. 
Col. A. J. Sellers, 

President Survivors' Association, 90th Regt., P. V. 
My Dear Sir and Comrade: — By direction of this Post, it becomes 
my pleasant duty to tender to you and your comrades its grateful 
tlianks for and due appreciation of the superb photograpiis of the 



47 

memorials of the 90th Regiment, which have been erected upon the 
sacred field of Gettysburg. While that ground needs no monu- 
ments to perpetuate the memories of the men who struggled there, 
it is a loving privilege still to particularize, to individualize, to local- 
ize and memorize, by such methods, the names of those whose deeds 
will not only survive the most enduring tablets which your Associa- 
tion can erect, but which must grow brighter with the ages to come. 
Let me thank you for the sentiments expressed in your letter, in 
admiration of that member of the "old Ninetieth" who is now an 
honored and worthy member of this Post, and also assui'e you that 
we regard Maj. McAllister no less highly than your estimate of him, 
for he is now, as he was a quarter of a century ago, deserving of all 
the honors, and favors, and blessings that life and circumstance can 
bestow. Fraternally yours, 

F. S. BARTRAM, 

Adjutant. 



Philadelphia, November 8th, 
To the President, Officers and members 

of the Volunteer Firemen's Association. 
Gentlemen : — On behalf of the Survivors' Association of the 90th 
Regiment, P. V., I have the honor to request your acceptance of the 
accompanying framed photographs of our two monuments, erected 
on the Gettysburg battle-field, as a memorial to the valor and patri- 
otism of our dead and living heroes. 

Your Association has exhibited a degree of courtesy and good- 
ness of heart towards us, as well as all soldiers, which we greatly 
appreciate, coming as it does from those who, in the daj'S gone by, 
have imperilled their lives and health, solely for the public good. 

Yours sincerely, 

A. J. SELLERS, 

President. 

Which elicited the following reply: 

Hall of the Volunteer Firemen's Association, 
Philadelphia, December 8th, 1888. 
Col. A. J. Sellers, 

President Survivors' Association, 90tli Regt., P. V. 
Dear Sir : — At a stated meeting of the Volunteer Firemen's Asso- 
ciation of Philadelphia, held on the evening of Nov. 8th, 1888, the 
following resolution was unanimously adopted : 

"Resolved, that a vote of thanks be tendered to the Survivors' 
Association of the 90th Regiment, P. V., for the handsome frame 
containing the photographs of the monuments erected by the sur- 



48 

vivorson the liistorical battle-field of Gettysburg, and will receive a 
prominent place in our Hall." 

The thoughts expressed in your communication meets with a 
hearty reciprocity of feeling and sentiment on our part. The "old 
Ninetieth " achieved a glorious reputation for liravery and efficien- 
cy, in the gigantic struggle for the nation's existence, and Philadel- 
phia can well feel proud of its gallant record. 

Extract from minutes. JOHN G. HOLLICK, 

Secretary V. F. A. 

Philadelphia. November 24th, 1888. 
Col. R. P. Dechert, 

2d Regiment, N. G. P. 
Dear Sir mid Comrade: — By direction of tbe Survivors' Associa- 
tion of the 90th Regiment, P. V., I have the honor to present to your 
command, framed pbotographs of our two monuments erected at 
Gettysburg, to commemorate the valor and patriotism of the dead 
and living heroes of our regiment, who fought on that historic field. 
The history of the 19th and 90th P. V. is so grandly blended with 
the 2d Regiment, N. G. P., that the wreaths of oak and laurel, wuth 
all their significance, can well encircle the triumvirate of com- 
mands, and around the halo of its Ivistre shine resplendent in all its 
glory, faithfully exemplified by its motto, "Non Sihi Sed Patriw.''^ 
I have the honor to be Yours fraternally, 

A. J. SELLERS, 

President. 

Whereupon the gift was acknowledged in tbe following com- 
munication : 

Head-Quarters 2d Reg't Inf'y, 1st Brigade, N. G. P. 
Philadelphia, November 27th, 1888. 
Colonel A.J. Sellers, 

President 90th Reg't P. V. Association. 
Colonel: — I am directed by the Board of Officers of the 2d Reg't 
Inft'y, National Guard of Pennsj-lvania, to extend through you, to 
tlie 90th Reg't P. V. Association, the sincere thanks of the Board, 
for the framed photographs of your beautiful monuments on the 
battle-field of Gettysburg. 

The hearts of every member of our organization echoes back the 
sentiments contained in your communication, and with ])leasure 
and pride we recall the brilliant record made by the old 90tli. during 
its entire term of service. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

A. H. HARTUNG, 
1st Lieut, and Adjutant. 



4U 



I^Gunion of I889. 



Another year has swiftly glided by and the harbinger of death 
has summoned four of our comrades to answer the final roll-call 
— whose march is over, their souls following the long column 
into the depths of eternity. We leave them to rest, where over 
them will bend the arching sky, as it did in great love when 
they pitched their tents or lay down, weary and foot-sore, by 
the way or on the battle-field, for an hour's sleep. 

in memeRmm. 



DAVID P. WEAVER, 

LATE ADJT. 90th P. V , 
BRIGADE A. ADJT. GEN'L, 
DIED MARCH 18, 1889. 




J. R. SHREVE, 

t? SURGEON 90th p. v., MAJOR 
U. S. v., DIED MAY 29, 
1889. 



FREDERICK GERKER, | 
LATE Q. M. 90th P. V., 

DIV. COM'SY SUBS'C, 

DIED MAY 15, If 



JOHN MclNTYRE, 

CO. D. 90th p. v., died 
DEC. 19, 1 




r^-i:~-j^- J. 




Tlie hand of the king tliat the sceptre hath borne, 
Tiie brow of the priest that the mitre liath worn, 
Tlie eye of the sage and the heart of the brave. 
Arc hidden and losl in the depths of llie grave. 



a\V- 




50 



^l7e VefGrcins' ^auni. 



Ever since the journey of a year ago, to the battle-field of 
battle-fields — never to be forgotten Gettysburg ! the veterans and 
their friends have been looking forward to this year's anniversary 
and dedication, with renewed ardor and enthusiasm. The work 
of last year was but half comj)leted, and the Association resolved 
to cease from their labor of love, only when their position was 
truly defined for each day, in which they bore so conspicuous a 
part ; and finally, to honor the memory of their much beloved 
Chaplain, by a tribute in keeping with his simplicity of charac- 
ter as a man and noble virtues as a christian soldier. 

The route agreed upon was by the rapidly improving B. and 
O. road to Harper's Ferry, passing scenes of interest familiar to 
the veterans on their marches and pontoon adventures during 
1862-63. 

From Washington, s[)ecial service was furnished through to 
Gettysburg, via Weverton, Keedysville and Hagerstown, — com- 
bination cars, whose exterior heralded along the route, in letters 
that could not be mistaken, that the occupants were "warriors 
of old," whose grim-visaged front was evenly tempered with the 
smiles of womanly presence. 

C. R. Mackenzie, an agent of the road, accompanied the 
veterans, and contributed much to the enjoyment of all by his 
courtesy and descriptive faculties; likewise. Conductor Freder- 
icks, in charge of the train, who was also a Captain in the 4th 
Maryland (Union) Cavalry. The .soldier companionshi]) is a 
marvel of fascination, which clings with devotional tenacity. 



51 

The recent flood left its traces here and there, and the once 
celebrated Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is no longer an avenue 
of commerce and plenty. 

The writer will here quote from a different stand point, by 
republishing from that excellent sheet the Gertnantown Inde- 
pendent, of September 3d, 1889 : 

5l?e Suruiuors of tl?e QOtl? I^e<$ifr\e9t, peposyluaQia l/ol- 
upteers, uijit /^Qtietam apd Cjettysburc^. 

"On Saturday morning last one of the proprietors of tlie 
Independent was induced to take a trip over the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad, with the 90th Regt., Penna. Vols., to visit the 
battle-fields of Antietam and Gettysburg, wliere they distinguish- 
ed themselves with so much valor, and to dedicate a memorial 
to the late Horatio S. Howell, the Chaplain of the regiment, 
who was killed at Gettysburg, and a Boulder to mark the spot 
the regiment occupied on Hancock avenue in the last day's fight. 

Leaving Germantown at 7.27, the train arrived at Twenty- 
fourth and Chestnut streets at 8 A. M., where the veterans and 
their friends, under Col. A. J. Sellers their President, were in 
waiting. All aboard, speeding on our way, the bridge over 
the Susquehanna, 1^ miles long, the longest bridge in the United 
States, was crossed at 9.20, the train arriving in Baltimore at 
10,25, and Washington at 11.30. A view of the Capitol build- 
ings was had, but the train was a limited express, and soon 'all 
aboard!' was heard. After a run of a little over an hour Har- 
per's Ferry was reached. The scenery at this point is pictu- 
resque and grand, the confluence of the Shenandoah with the 
Potomac, where the latter passes through the Blue Ridge of the 
AUeghanies, being over fifty miles north-west from Washington. 

"Tlie old 'John Brown Fort,' formerly used as an engine 
house, inside the grounds of the U. S. Arsenal, still stands, and 
is pointed out to the visitor as the place which 'Osawatomie' 



52 

cai)tured with twenty-six men on Oct. IGth, 1850, after breaking 
in the armory gate with a crow-bar, and overpowering the watch- 
man. Thousands of bullets were embedded in the little engine 
house, where Brown and six of his men were barricaded, after 
the others had been shot down, by the men under the command 
of Col. Robt. E. Lee. 'This bundle of nerves,' as Gov. Wise 
called him, was finally captured by Lieut. J. E. B. Stuart, who 
afterwards figured so prominently as a Confederate cavalry officer 
at Gettysburg. Nothing remains of the U. S. Arsenal building, 
where so many thousands of muskets were manufactured, but the 
foundation walls. The place was graphically described by Frank 
and James Taylor, of Mill street, who were among the excur- 
sionists. Loudon Heights, on the Virginia side, which was 
occupied by Lee, in the fall of 1862, rise up hundreds of feet, 
and commands Bolivar Heights, on the Maryland shore, where 
Gen. Miles surrendered 12,000 men without firing a gun. He 
was afterwards shot by one of his own men. 

"After a run of half an hour Keedysville was reached. A 
drive of two or three miles brought us to the i\ntietam battle- 
field, where McClellan succeeded in turning the rebel army and 
driving them back into Virginia. McClellan had been relieved 
of the command of the Army of the Potomac on June 27th, 
1862, and Pope placed in command. After being defeated at 
Manasses he fell back upon the defences of Washington. Burn- 
side was asked to take command, but refused for the second time, 
and in its extremity McClellan was again called upon by the 
Administration. He brought order out of chaos, and succeeded 
in defeating the enemy at Antietam creek. On November 10th 
McClellan was again relieved and Burnside placed in command, 
the enemy at the time being divided, Longstreet and Jackson 
being separated by at least two days' march. McClellan and 
Burnside were warm personal friends, and the former gave his 
successor the benefit of his projected plans. The surviving sol- 



53 

diers on the excursion went over all these facts, but they were 
only reiterating facts in history. 

"From the Antietam battle-field there is to be seen the first 
monument erected to General Washington. It stands on South 
Mountain, many miles away. It was built by citizens of Wash- 
ington and Frederick counties, on the line of the route surveyed 
by Washington, between Pittsburgh and Washington. The large 
stones have been pebble-dashed and whitewashed, and when the 
sun reflects on the shaft, forty-six feet high, it can be seen for 
thirty miles. Just before the war part of it fell down, and was 
re-erected by the Odd Fellows of Boonesboro. 

"The National Cemetery on the battle-field is one of the 
handsomest in the country, being surrounded with a high wall 
and fence. Roads leading to it are being built, at considerable 
expense, by the national government. A granite statue, twenty- 
Six feet high, on a massive granite base, is said to be the most 
elaborate in the United States. 

"A dinner at Keedysville, in which fried chicken formed an 
important part of the menu, a favorite Maryland specialty, was 
enjoyed by all. Chickens are brought up to respect the frying- 
pan, and they are never of danger. Fried chicken for break- 
fast, dinner and sujiper. There are no Italian laborers to be seen 
on the railroads between Washington and this point, the natives 
beinc; in command." , 




54 



(D^)Q\' \\}Q ISaHlG-pield. 



The writer will here resume, by congratulating D. H. Wyand, 
the proprietor of the hostelrie at Keedysville, Md., for the cor- 
dial greeting given us, the excellent provision for our comfort 
immediately on our arrival, and the substantial dinner provided, 
to which all did justice, — making it mutually agreeable. 

On our arrival at the National Cemetery, at Antietam, we 
were shown by one of the attaches, objects of interest, and 
being a commanding position, an excellent opportunity was 
afforded to view the topography of the battle-field. From this 
point Confederate Lee issued his orders during the conflict, and 
the rock, upon which lay his charts, was removed to beautify the 
surroundings of the colossal granite Soldier Monument. 4,fi83 
soldiers are interred in this "city of the dead." Time would 
not permit us to visit the Burnside stone bridge, which our Penn- 
sylvania troops stormed and captured so gallantly. 

From the eminence, we wended our way in carriages to the 
celebrated Dunkard Church, on the Sharpsburg pike, in front 
and north of which the renowned corn-field is located, where 
such desperate fighting was waged, that the Confederate line of 
battle could then be distinguished by the line of dead, wliich lay 
so close together. The recollection of that terrible day of car- 
nage, September 17th, came vividly to our mind, as we recalled 
the advance of our regiment, in line of battle, from yon wooded 
ridge into the open field. It was truly a slaughter-];)en, and 
when the position became untenable, we withdrew in good order 
to the woods, until reinforcements took our place. Never will 
I forget with what undaunted courage Color-Sergeant Wm. H. 



55 

Paul retraced his steps, bearing aloft our starry emblem, but all 
the way with his face to the foe; he seemed to possess a charmed 
life. The irrepressible photographer, Rile, had journeyed all 
the way from Gettysburg, anticipated our coming and there had 
his forces drawn up in line of battle; we sought refuge under 
the shadow of the church, and posed to the gratification of the 
disciple of Daguerre. From this point we left the pike, and 
wound around through wild and beautiful scenery, back to Kee- 
dysville, where our special train was in waiting. 

It was just twenty-seven years ago when we here disputed 
the advance of Lee, and from a scenic and agricultural point 
of view, it was a handsome battle-field. Forest foliage then 
presented its verdant green as now. A toot of the whistle, 
a ring of the bell, and the 90th rolled off in the direction of 
Hagerstown at a lively pace, through a lovely and picturesque 
country. With a clear track we sped on, changing conductors 
at Hagerstown, and the journey from thence to Gettysburg, over 
the Western Maryland R. R. , was at a rate of speed that just 
suited our desires, for our ambition was to make it by 8 o'clock, 
to accomplish which, the weight of opinion was adverse. The 
sympathy of the obliging conductor, Rufus Shead, was enlisted, 
and, true to his promise, we rolled up to Carlisle station, Get- 
tysburg, at 8 o'clock precisely, with an appetite bordering on 
voracity. A few minutes' walk brought us to our quarters, the 
McClellan House, genial Samuel J. Diller proprietor, where 
everything was in readiness for us — rooms all located, through 
the tact of his chief clerk, Merville E. Zinn, who met the train 
at Hagerstown. 

After enjoying hugely the bountiful supper prcjvided by our 
host, we started out in groups for a promenade, making calls on 
acquaintances formed the year previous. The walk was in the 
light of exercise, and we returned refreshed for our night's 
rest, to whose embrace we soon souglit tliat relief which wafts us 



56 

to sweet repose; some perhaps to dreamland, while the fond 
soul, wrapped in gay visions of enchanting bliss, still paints the 
illusive form, from which we wake to find it all an illusion. 

It is a beautiful Sunday morning, September 1st, and as time 
waits for no man, we prepare for an early start over the battle- 
field, in the conveyances supplied by Col. W. T. Ziegler, com- 
mander of the local Union Vet. Legion, accompanied by Capt. 
Long as chaperon and lecturer. We went over the field of the 
first day's fight, stopping where our regiment, in matchless splen- 
dor, resisted the assault of O'Neal's Alabama Brigade, aided, 
however, by the destructive volleys of the 13th Massachusetts. 
The more the historian studies out the part enacted by Reynolds* 
men on the first day, the more impartial will be criticism, and 
" honor bestowed where honor is due." The terrible loss sus- 
tained by the Confederates in front of the 1st Corps, clearly 
demonstrates how glorious and effective was the stand made by 
the old 1st Corps; and only the overwhelming numerical supe- 
riority of the foe, compelled them to f^ill back to the heights of 
Cemetery Hill, we the possessors of a number of Confederate 
standards and a general officer — a prisoner of war. The 1st 
Corps lost but one color, under the following circumstances: 
The flag of the 150th P. V. was taken from young Corporal Gute- 
lius, who, weak from the loss of blood, sat down to rest on a 
door step. He was killed while holding on to his flag by a lieu- 
tenant and detachment of men of Ramseur's Brigade. The flag 
was presented to Jefferson Davis with a great flourish of trumj)- 
ets, and was found in his wagon train when captured by Wilson 
in lfi65. It is now at Harrisburg with the other flags. 

Our drive was resumed back through the town, to that ])or- 
tion of Cemetery Hill where lay our honored dead and where 
our martyred President, Lincoln, delivered that celebrated ora- 
tion, at the dedication of the National Cemetery, 1863. Capt. 
Long most grai)hically dwelt on what transpired here, July 2d 



and 8(1, twenty-six years ago. We then proceeded to that por- 
tion of the hill wliere the observatory is located, there the lecture 
was resumed and eloquently portrayed to a thorough comprehen- 
sion, in all its details. 

A simultaneous attack had been ordered on the evening of 
the second. Confederate Johnson's Division, of Ewell's Corps, 
had been ordered to capture Gulp's Hill from the 1st and 12th 
Corps, which proved a failure, and Hoke's and Avery's Bri- 
gades, of Early's Division, were to assault Cemetery Hill (this 
position). They approached with great caution and under cover 
of the hills. The Louisiana Tigers, with matchless courage, led 
the assault. Weidrick's 11th Corps and Rickett's batteries were 
overrun, and a desperate hand to hand conflict ensued. Stevens' 
12-pounders (5th Maine), from a position half way up Culp's 
Hill, terribly enfiladed the Confederate attack, and Carroll's 
Brigade of the 2d Corps arrived on the double-quick and swept 
them from the face of the hill. Col. Avery, a Confederate brigade 
commander, being mortally wounded. 

Had the strategy been carried out as intended, it would 
have severed our lines and divided our forces, to an igno- 
minious defeat. It was intended to be a simultaneous blow on 
our western front from Longstreet, Johnson to turn our riglit on 
the east; and Early to flank us on Cemetery Hill from the town. 
Brilliantly conceived, but the resisting qualities were too staunch 
and impregnable. 

We journeyed on to Culp's Hill, where the 1st, Oth and 12th 
Corps' monuments are profuse and elaborate, passing the cele- 
brated Spangler Springs, where, during the night of the second, 
friend and foe alike quenched their thirst. We now turned our 
horses homeward, passing over a parallel road to that which we 
rode going to the outer post on Culp's Hill — the road, following 
the original line of earth works still intact, and the trees to this 
day bear evidence of the terrible volleys fired during the con- 



58 

flict. We emerged from tlie wooded hill and soon struck the 
Baltimore pike, and home through the town, passing that house 
of interest on the right, as you enter the suburbs of the town, 
there, the very door through which the deadly bullet sped on its 
mission towards our lines, that ended the young life of the fair 
Jennie Wade; for in this locality, the sharpshooters of both 
armies were secreted, watching for chances; gable ends of houses 
(containing a window or more) were the shelters of marksmen — 
church steeples, lofty trees and the like, the recluse of the long- 
range sharpshooter. Here stands a house in which is embedded 
a shell, there another; there we see a house in which a Union 
officer, wounded, was for two or more days within the rebel lines, 
protected and fed by one of the noble women of Gettysburg. 
All this and more that we saw, go to make up the history of the 
immortal field. 

We soon drew up in front of our hostel, the McClellan, which 
is on the north-east corner of the square or plaza, the junction 
of the Carlisle, Baltimore, Chambersburg and York pikes. At 
this time, music hath no charms to soothe a single savage breast, 
but the commissariat, in the person of our host, jolly and rotund 
in appearance, bade us welcome to a bountiful repast, which our 
keen appetite, nurtured by the most exhilarating and enjoyable 
drive, was craving for. Having done full justice to Diller's 
menu, 2.15 o'clock found us on the train, speeding towards little 
Round Top, whose summit we soon reached, but the grand view 
of the battle-field am])ly repaid the exertion we made in climb- 
ing its rugged heiglits, where we met a large delegation of the 
New York survivors, who were here to celebrate the morrow 
— Brooklyn day. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of that 
citv were acting as an escort to the veterans of the 10th 
N. Y. Infantry and 4th N. Y. Cavalry, come to dedicate their 
monuments. The second day's battle, on our left, was here 
vividly described by Capt. Jas. T. Long, and having in view all 



59 

the points of interest, which were so fiercely contended for, the 
mind readily grasped the situation and knowledge was implant- 
ed, never to be forgotten. 

Here, from this eminence, looking towards the west-north- 
west, over the valley of death, we see the celebrated "Peach 
Orchard," on the Emmitsburg road, where Sickles' 3d Corps 
had advanced — he claiming it requisite to secure this position 
because of its elevation. This movement it is claimed was with- 
out authority, and at the time disapproved of by Gen. Meade. 
Longstreet fiercely assaulted Sickles and though reinforced by 
troops of the 2d and 5th Corps, was forced back to our original or 
main line. The Pennsylvania Reserves brilliantly charged over 
the renowned wheat field, where Gen. Zook was killed, directly 
in front of little Round Top, and with the 6th Corps' firm line of 
battle, checked further advances by the enemy. The slaughter 
was terrific at this end of the line, and the casualties of Hood 
or McLaws respectively greater, in killed and wounded, than 
that sustained by Pickett's Division in its celebrated charge. 
From this hill Warren, the sagacious leader, whose statue in 
bronze has been erected here by loving friends, discovered the 
enemy manoeuvering to flank our left, and speedily brought up 
reinforcements in time to save this most important key to our 
position. On this hill fell our Gen. Weed and Lieut. Hazlett 
killed, and Gen. Vincent mortally wounded. At the foot of the 
hill are traces of Plum run, just across is the celebrated Devil's 
Den, so named because of the immense boulders huddled togeth- 
er by some convulsion of nature, forming a natural fortress, from 
whose crevices numerous Confederate sharpshooters picked off 
our officers and men from the summit of Round Top. To the 
north can be seen the Trestle farm, on which Bigt-lovv's 9th 
Massachusetts Battery was almost annihilated. 

The attack intended by Gen. Lee on the second day, was for 
Longstreet to commence on his right (our left) and be made en 



60 

eschelon, i. e., as soon as Longstreet was fairly engaged, Hill's 
(the centre) Corps were to advance and as soon as hotly engaged, 
Ewell, on their left (our right), was to hurl his forces upon us, 
with the power of an avalanche. We holding the interior or 
shortest line, could readily reinforce where the attack was most 
formidable. Lee intended to frustrate this by a simultaneous 
attack, as heretofore stated, but for some cause, the concert of 
action was a failure. 

After Longstreet's battle with Sickles' (3d) and Sykes' (5th) 
Corps, Anderson's Division of Hill's Corps (Wright and Wil- 
cox's Brigades) attacked the 2d Corps, and by magnificent fight- 
ing succeeded in momentarily penetrating our lines, but the 
remainder of Hill's Corps failed to co-operate, and a portion of 
the old 1st Corps (our 90th included), 2d and 12th Corps, 
took a hand and forced Hill's men back, to and beyond the 
Ernmitsburg road. It was at this time that Gen. Meade with- 
drew a portion of the troops from Culp's Hill, on our right, to 
assist in repelling this attack by Hill. Scarcely had the strife 
died away, when the two brigades (Louisiana Tigers) made that 
desperate assault on Cemetery Hill, heretofore spoken of. When 
Slocum's men (12th Corps) returned to the right, to occupy 
their original works, Johnston's Division of Ewell's Corps had 
po.ssession. Thus ended the second day's battle. 

Our party now descended to Plum valley beneath, and in- 
spected the Den. We now retraced our steps to the base, east 
of Round Top, where the train was in waiting at 4 o'clock, to 
convey us back to Gettysburg; soon we reached the depot and 
repaired to our quarters, where undergoing an ablution, resulting 
in a rejuvenated condition, we reported present for duty. 




THE LlATE CHAPIiAIN. 

REV. HORRTIO S. HOWElili. 



61 



At 4.45 P. M. we left our quarters, preceded by the G. A. R. 
Band, and marched in couples to 

(^t^risf bufl^Gran (;l7urcl7, 

Charabersburg street, where an overflowing audience was assem- 
bled. The Trustees kindly placed the church at the disposal of 
the Association. Around the pulpit were seated the Rev. Dr. 
C. A. Hay, Pastor; Rev. J. K. Demarest, of Gettysburg; Rev. Dr. 
Wm. Aikman, of Atlantic City, N. J., the Orator of the occa- 
sion. Seated in the chancel were Col. A. J. Sellers, President of 
the Association ; Lieut. Hillary Beyer, Chairman of the Monu- 
ment Committee; Col. C. H. Buehler, Vice-President of the 
Battle-held Association; Prof. E. S. Breidenbaugh, Sc. D., Sec- 
retary of Church Council; Rev. Fredk. W. Conrad, Editor of 
Lutheran Observer. Horatio S. Howell, son of the late Chaplain 
of the regiment, sat beside Vice-President of the Association 
Johnson Roney. The tattered battle-flags occupied a conspicu- 
ous position around the chancel, and were looked upon with 
sacred reverence. Programmes were distributed at the church 
entrance, and the following order of exercises adhered to: 

Selection — organ, Miss Alice K. Baugher. 

Introductory remarks, by the President of the Association, 
Comrade A.' J. Sellers, who stated the mission of the 90th Vet- 
eran Association this year to Gettysburg, was to place in bronze 
and granite, a tribute to commemorate their love and veneration 
for the memory of their departed Chaplain, whose many endear- 
ing qualities as a man and exalted character as a christian soldier, 
won the admiration of the entire regiment. We selected Sun- 
day for this pleasing duty, for on that day, of all others, our 



62 

Chaplain never failed to administer to the spiritual wants of all 
whom he could interest. He was ever trying to do his duty and 
fulfill the mission entrusted to him. To Dr. Aikman, he would 
leave the theme that was then uppermost in our hearts. To also 
convey, on behalf of the Survivors, our api)reciation and grati- 
tude for the kindness and courtesies received from pastor and 
officers of the church, and those connected therewith. 

Rev. Dr. C. A. Hay, Pastor of the church, then delivered a 
very pathetic invocation. 

Comrade Hillary Beyer, Chairman of Committee, confided 
the Chaplain's memorial to the custody of the Church Council, 
in the following very appropriate and touching language: 

Comrades and Friends : 

It now becomes my duty, as Chairman of the Monument 
Committee of the Survivors* Association, 90th Regiment, Penna. 
Vols., to place in the keeping of the President and Trustees of 
Christ Lutheran Church, this tablet, and I linger a moment to 
say, that never was a charge more freely and fully surrendered 
than this one, — knowing that the church which has so nobly and 
generously tendered this ground for the erection of this memori- 
al, will ever cherish the spot which has become sacred, by being 
baptized with the blood of a hero and a martyr! Many a time 
have we listened to that voice in religious and friendly counsel. 
Many a dying soldier has been comforted and cheered in his last 
moments, by his sympathy and prayers; and where is one of our 
survivors who did not reverence Horatio S. Howell? In the 
name and on behalf of the Survivors' Association, I thank the 
church for their disinterested generosity, and place in their care 
this treasured tablet— a tablet which but feebly expresses the 
reverence and affection we retain for the one who fell here ! 
And may I not express the h()i)e that the members of the church, 
the members of the Survivors' Association, and all who hear my 



63 

voice, when the dark river is crossed, may, with him who fell 
here, spend an eternity in heaven. 

Prof. E. S. Breidenbaugh, Sc. D., of and on behalf of the 
church, then received the tribute in the following choice address: 

Air. Preside fit and Gentlemen of the Survivors' Association 

of the goth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers : 

We, in common with all others of our people, take pride in 
everything which evidences the valor and endurance of those 
who gave or imperilled life or health in the war for the Union. 
In several places on this field, you have appropriately recorded 
your very creditable participation in the events which followed 
the meeting of brave men with other brave, but mistaken men 
in honorable warfare. 

There also comes to you the duty — happily a rarely occurring 
duty — of recording in this place an act of cowardice and cruelty. 
But the monument you have placed in front of this church stands 
for more and better things than this. It is a tribute from you 
to the memory of one, who when you were in camp drilling and 
preparing for active service in the field, was preparing you for 
the service of the great leader; who, in times of angry conflict, 
represented before you the Prince of Peace; who, in times of 
suffering and anguish, came to you with comfort and blessing. 
It is therefore fitting that you should recognize the great, the 
faithful service, even to death, of your late Chaplain. 

It is a fitting circumstance, that this monument stands in 
front of one of the churches used as a hospital, during and after 
the battle. This was by no means a misuse, but a very excellent 
use of the church of God — to make it a shelter for the wounded 
and dying. 

Remembering all it stands for, this monument should inspire 
every one who passes by or enters the church, to greater faith- 



64 

fulness for the Master, in whose service Chaplain Howell gave 
his life. 

We, of Christ Church, are glad to have been of any assist- 
ance in arranging for to-day's event. We accept the custody of 
this monument in the terms and in the spirit in which it is tend- 
ered. We congratulate you on the beauty and the appropriate- 
ness of this monument, which is an ornament to our edifice. 

Selection — vocal, by a volunteer choir, rendered with pleas- 
ing effect. 



®rafior\, 



By REV. DR. WILLIAM AIRMAN, 

(Of Atlantic City Presbyterian Church.) 

Soldiers, Friends and Fellow Countrytnen : 

The service which you have assigned me for to-day is a very 
grateful one. I am here to help you set up a memorial, not only 
to your comrade but to my friend, the friend of my early man- 
hood. 

But I am here too with a sense of double bereavement. You 
had wisely and well made your selection of my venerable friend, 
the late Reverend Doctor James P. Wilson to address you here 
and now. It was entirely appropriate that you should do so. 
Doctor Wilson, for many years, stood in close personal relations 
to Chaplain Howell, whose memory you perpetuate. He pre- 
sided over Howell's studies, preparatory to the christian minis- 
try; was his attached friend through his life, and laid him away 
in his grave in Greenwood. 

Doctor Wilson, as I know, looked forward with interest to 
this occasion. He intended, as he told one near to him, to 
"speak some words right from the heart." 

But the loving heart is stilled, the loving words must be for- 
ever unspoken. Doctor Wilson, too, was my personal friend. 



65 

who took me when scarcely more than a boy into his affection, 
and permitted me to love him. In the fullness of his years and 
in the ripeness of his work he has passed into the silent heaven 
— a noble chivalrous christian man, a devoted minister of the 
Gospel of Jesus Christ, an unfaltering friend; he has left a track 
of unbroken light behind him. 

I am glad that you have asked me to take Doctor Wilson's 
place, and to try to do what he would so worthily have done — 
lay a chaplet on this memorial of stone and bronze. 

Horatio Stockton Howell and I knew each other well. We 
walked, we talked, we worked together. His house and my 
house were interchanged places. When his home became deso- 
late by his absence, and, after years of bereavement, his widow 
went away from earth, it was mine to close her eyes, to try to 
comfort her children and to lay her away beside her husband. 
So I have rightly, I think, my place before you now. 

We stand on this church porch in the quiet of this Sabbath 
day, in the shadow of this September sun, and try to call up 
those tumultuous scenes of twenty-six years ago. The early 
dawn had seen you and your comrades hastening to Seminary 
hills, the slow moving hours had seen ^ou breasting the waves of 
the rebel hosts — a wall of patriot bosoms torn by shot and shell, 
but standing unmoved and triumphant; they had seen Reynolds 
die in that wood yonder, and then when the pressure of the 
gathering rebel army became too great, had seen you falling 
steadily back while facing the foe, taking your stand on the^ field 
behind us, made forever memorable in the history of the world. 

All day long there has been coming the mournful procession 
of ambulances and stretchers, as the wounded were borne to the 
rear, a rear soon to become tlie front of battle. That procession 
rightly finds its way to this spot, and just as it ought to be this 
church becomes a hospital, to which the wounded are brought. 
The yellow flag is floating languidly in the hot July air, over 



GG 

yonder porch. The Chaplain has been doing his work of gentle 
ministration to the sufferers within, assisting at the instant a sur- 
geon in dressing the wound of a soldier who had had an artery 
of his leg shot away. He hears the shots and confusion of the 
retreat, and says to the surgeon "I will step outside for a mo- 
ment and see what the trouble is." He has scarcely taken his 
place on the steps by the side of a surgeon, looking at the back- 
ward sweep of the battle, as it showed its ragged edge on the 
street, when round yonder corner rides a rebel cavalryman, in 
the reckless excitement of the liour. He sees the group above 
him and levels his carbine at the church porch; chaplain and 
surgeon insignia are not regarded, probably not seen; they do 
not stay his hand nor turn his eye. The fatal ball sharply sings, 
passes the surgeon's head, strikes the face and tears through 
Howell's brain. In an instant he passes out of life and this place 
becomes forever consecrated by his blood. 

So our friend fell, at his post and before his men. He fell 
in the vigor of his manhood. He was born at Ewing, New Jer- 
sey, August 14th, 1820; he was killed on July 1st, 18G3, in the 
forty-third year of his age. 

Chaplain Howell entered tire Presbyterian ministry, having 
been a student in Lafayette College and graduated at tlie Union 
Theological Seminary, in New York city, in the year 1845. He 
was pastor in the Presbyterian church at East Whiteland, Penn- 
sylvania; at Elkton, Delaware, and at the Delaware Water Gap 
till the year 1861, when he became Chaplain of the Ninetieth 
Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died here on that 
first day of the battle of Gettysburg. 

Chaplain Howell was of a peculiarly gentle and quiet dispo- 
sition, one of the last to choose battle scenes, and one of the last 
to be thought of as dying by the bullet of an enemy. But he was 
brave and patriotic, as he was calm. At the call of his country 
he entered her service, leaving home and children and wife, en- 



67 

during the privations and self-sacrifice like the good soldier that 
he was, and at the last giving the crown of his devotion — his 
life. 

Of Howell's work as an army chaplain, you, my soldier 
friends, are more competent to speak than I, for you saw it 
and knew it. But from what I knew of the man, I am sure that 
you saw him to be one in whom you could repose the supremest 
confidence, who everywhere and at all times adorned his sacred 
profession. I know that you never found him shirking a duty or 
betraying a trust. You saw that his acts were illustrations of his 
preaching, and himself a christian minister of unblemished life 
and efficient service. You have told me how you enjoyed his 
companionship, and how you cherish its memories. 

If I am not mistaken, to-day, you unveil the first monument 
that has been set up on a battle-field to perpetuate the memory 
of a chaplain slain in battle. I congratulate you, soldiers, that 
you have done so. It is a worthy, an honorable, a grateful act. 
I felicitate myself that I have a part in the service. 

As far as I have been able to discover, by careful inquiry at 
the War Department, and elsewhere, there were but three chap- 
lains killed by the enemy in the war of the Rebellion. Two of 
them were my personal and familiar friends. One of them, the 
Rev. George W. Dunmore, was my classmate in the University 
of New York and in the Union Theological Seminary of that 
city, and with him I passed seven years of pleasant fellowship 
and lasting friendship. After spending some ten years as a mis- 
sionary in Turkey, he returned to this, his native land, perhaps 
for a vacation or to recover health for himself or his family. He 
was not a man to be idle, and he took, I apprehend, very soon 
after his return, his place as army chaplain. He was with his 
regiment in Arkansas, when the enemy made a sudden night 
attack on his camp. Dunmore was too impulsive and too brave 
a man to falter at a critical moment. He seized a rifle and stood 



68 

with his boys to repel the foe, and he fell with them at St. An- 
guille Creek, Arkansas, August od, 1862. He was in the forty- 
second year of his age, having been born at Rush, Pennsylvania, 
October 5th, 1820. 

I am glad that you have given me this opportunity of speak- 
ing of Chaplain Dunmore, and to associate him with your 
Howell. 

As I call over the names of these cliaplains, a long past scene 
comes up, and it becomes to me an open door into a chaplain's 
life. It was in the spring of 1864, while the battles of the Wilder- 
ness and Spottsylvania Court House were being fough.t. Under 
commission from the Governor of the State of Delaware, I had 
hastened, with a small company of men accompanying me, to- 
wards the front, as soon as the tidings of the battles came. On 
my way to Fredericksburg I found myself, on the first and a 
stormy night, at Belle Plain, on the Potomac river, where the 
wounded and sick were gathered, on their way to the hospitals 
at Washington. To relieve the overworked and wearied men of 
the Sanitary Commission — I was also one of them — and at their 
request, I took charge of their tent and work for the night. 

With a tin plate I had dug a trench — you have often done 
such things — around tlie tent, to keep the water from overflow- 
ing our sleeping place on the ground. As I stood in the rain 
and gloom, at the flap of the tent, a stalwart horseman drew up, 
and stepping slowly from his horse, came towards me. His 
slouch hat, encompassed with its cord and its tassel tarnjshed 
and worn, his blue coat and cavalry boots were wet and covered 
with Virginia mud. As he strode towards me, he said "Have 
you, comrade, anything for a tired man to eat, or a place where 
he may sleep a little?" A glance, and the sound of his voice 
were enough. " Condron, my hoy, is that you?" I cried. With 
a call of wonder and joy came the answer "Why, Aikman, is 
that you !" And then and there, in the night and storm, we al- 



G9 

most hugged each other. We had been fellow pastors in the 
city of Wilmington, Delaware, and he had become a chaplain 
and was now at the front. 

I took Condron into the tent and soon placed some of our 
stores before him. He ate as a hungry soldier knows how to eat. 
Soon, he said I have come up from the battle-field in charge of a 
train of wounded men, I am all tired out; can't I sleep a while? 
I was only too glad to clear a space on the floor for him. He 
stepped out of the tent to the tree under which his horse was 
tied, and soon was back with saddle and holsters in his arms. 
He laid them on the ground for a pillow, threw himself down, 
drew his overcoat over him and in an instant was in a sleep such 
as only a wearied soldier knows. 

My friend Condron did not, like Howell and Dunmore, die 
under the fire of the enemy, but he died just as the many thou- 
sands died, of the long, lingering disease contracted in the 
swamps of the Chickahominy — still another chaplain that I 
loved, who gave himself for his country and left frail wife and 
children behind him. 

That far-back night reveals a chaplain's life. The chaplain 
was not called to go into battle, but that was nearly the only 
thing that was lacking to complete the soldier life which he was 
called to lead. He, like the rest, gave up his home, his family 
and himself, to the work and privations of the army. Like 
his comrades, he took the toil of the march and camp, and bore 
that sense of loneliness which, after all, made the most unbeara- 
ble part of many a soldier's day. Yet, it was just the one thing 
that a soldier, officer or private, could never speak of. Who but 
the man who experienced it, could know what was that sense of 
unbearable bereavement which would, at times, sweep over his 
heart, as the thought of wife and children or loved one came up, 
and the dread uncertainty whether their voices should ever be 
heard or their faces be seen again; thoughts that would come in 



70 

the midst of stirring scenes, which would make pictures in the 
darkness when he would awake from dreams where he had had 
them in his arms, to find those arms clasping only a vacancy ; 
when the dull ache of conscious separation would become a sharp 
and immeasurable pang; when the low murmur hardly listened 
to, but never ceasing, would wake into a wail of grief! 

That was what made, in the darkness, tears silently steal over 
bronzed cheeks and heavy beard, and no one but God and the 
angels knew it. That was a strain and tension that no battle- 
call ever made. You, soldiers, know what I mean. Your Chap- 
lain knew it too, this chaplain whom we remember to-day. 

It was, too, the chaplain's part to take and bear, as the pastor 

of his regiment, a burden of care and responsibility that called 

out all his sympathies, and often wrung his heart. It was his, 

not to repress and stifle these sympathies, as largely officer and 

surgeon must do. It was his to allow them scope and activity 

as he helped his men morally and religiously. Ah, my friends, 

to stand by a dying man and try to lift him up toward hope and 

heaven, to take into one's heart the burden of sorrow that a 

dying man tells, there to hear and record messages of love and 

grief, to send word tiiat you know will crush hearts forever, blot 

out smiles, make tears to flow endlessly — some of you would 

rather go into battle than do that ! It was the chaplain's work, 

and he must not, if he would do it well, steel his heart. That 

tempestuous night scene, that hungry and weary chaplain in mud 

and rain, that wagon train of wounded and dying, was a type of 

a world of work and sorrow of a true chaplain's life — and your 

Howell was a true chaplain. You remember it as you to-day 

honor his memory and his work. Rightly you have carved on 

the bronze 

" He heinp; dead yet speaketh." 

We are approaching the end of these monumental occasions. 
The places where the brave stood and the lamented fell, have 



71 

been marked, and they will abide in the memory of the living 
and, in the years to come, will tell of what they did on this field. 

I ask, why are you gathered here, and why have your fellow 
soldiers gathered all over these valleys and hills, fixing, with 
solemn reverence and affection, where you fought and where 
your comrades died? Is it simply that here men fought a bloody 
battle? Is that all? No, no! You set up these monuments to 
tell to the coming generations the patriotic devotion of those 
who stood here. If there were no patriotism, no heroic self- 
sacrifice for their country, those memorials of bronze and stone 
would not be set up. 

But of late, other thoughts and words, that meant other 
things, have had a place even on this field, as well as over the 
land. Men have been talking as if all who fought here, and on 
either side, were worthy alike of reverence and honor. It is 
more than time that a halt was called, and that we should have 
a clarified atmosphere, while this dusty mist of false irenic sen- 
timent passes away. 

I am a man of peace. My profession is that of preaching 
the Gospel of Peace, I hate war, I was taught to hate it from 
my infancy. I am not here to glorify war. The tragic scene 
which we commemorate would forever forbid it. 

So my heart cries out, all my nature cries out, against the 
men who made the war, against the men who led those sixty 
thousand men to trample these fields and moisten them with 
blood, and make them fields of the dead; the men who planted 
those two hundred cannon on yonder heights, to pour an in- 
fernal fire over these peaceful hills. 

I have seen, at one of the most ^memorable spots on this 
field, where you stood after you had come in from battle, on the 
hills before us, just in the Bloody Angle, a stone, marking with 
memorial words where a rebel general fell within our lines. 
With all the admiration I must have for bravery, I cannot but 



72 

feel that that stone is out of place. It goes against my dearest 
convictions, as I see it right in the spot made immortal by the 
death of my countrymen. I think that a lofty sense of honor 
and propriety would not have asked that it should be put there. 
It was unparalleled magnanimity that allowed it. That general 
was rushing forward, leading desperate men, in a fierce attempt 
to do what? To kill the defenders of this government, to strike 
down your country and mine, by laying them low in death. 

The feeling which prompts one to grasp the hand of the man 
whom he has vanquished, but who has fought bravely, is natural 
and spontaneous to a man of noble instincts. To forgive, and 
have pass into seeming oblivion, a wrong done but confessed, is 
both manly and christian ; I honor the sentiment wliich prompts 
it. But a wise man will have a care, lest in the forgiveness and 
the welcome, the distinction between right and wrong be not 
lost. There may be a profound and lasting injury by the words 
and the manner of forgiveness. 

In the exhuberant joy over the cessation of war, with its at- 
tendant and immeasurable sorrows, in a country saved from dis- 
memberment and ruin, there has been too often a forgetfulness 
of what caused the sorrow and danger. The men who brought 
them both have been honored because they were able and brave. 

It has become almost a fashion to glorify the names and the 
deeds of those who fought against this government and country. 
Some in my own profession have been foremost in it. 

It has been doing, in my estimation, wide-s])read harm. It 
has been an injury to the living and a dishonor to the dead. 

What has been the net result of this teaching? Just this — to 
have helped the training^of the people, in a large part of the 
land, to believe that the great attempt to destroy this govern- 
ment was no error, that the man who died in the attempt was a 
hero and a martyr, above the man who died in its defence. 
Half the country has been taught to accept only the inevitable; 



73 

that the lost cause was a just cause, crushed but never conquered, 
beaten down unrighteously by a brute but resistless force ; taught 
not to welcome the Union, only to accept it, and not to love 
the good that was everlastingly in it; taught not to honor the 
flag, that flag that you so often saw before you, which nerved 
your arm and gave lightsomeness to your tread, which to-day is 
the most beautiful thing that floats in air, "Old Glory" you call 
it; taught not to love, only to tolerate it and permit it to wave. 
This teaching, I fear, has been increasing in volume. I believe 
it to be unpatriotic and mistaken. Here, in my place, I lift up 
my voice against it. 

I am entirely aware what will be said of these utterances. It 
has often and flippantly been asserted that the men who fought 
do not talk thus, that only those who remained at home say such 
things. But when a man from his childhood has been taught to 
think along the lines of human right, and from his early man- 
hood has been familiar with the causes which brought on the 
war; when he has been accustomed, for forty years, to write and 
speak publicly about them, he may be permitted to have some 
convictions and some knowledge of the things he speaks of. 

For a man to stand day after day, month after month, year 
after year, in a slave state before the war, during the war, after 
the war, speaking uncompromising and unsparing words for 
liberty and the Union, risking position, reputation, means of 
livelihood for wife and little ones, and even life itself, with ene- 
mies near who would gladly take it if they dared; with, what 
was harder to bear, the tremulousness of timid friends, not for 
one month or one year but for nine weary years — years that he 
thanks God he was permitted to live — this, I say, possibly re- 
quired as much courage as under the fierce excitement of a day 
of battle, with shout of comrade and thrill of drum and bugle 
call to sweep forward in the deadly charge. A man who has 
ministered day after day to the suffering and the dying, placed in 



74 

his charge while desperate battles were going on, and with the 
distant boom of cannon in his ear, while every day the awful 
debris of the battle came back to him, and groans and shrieks 
and maniac cries and death were in the tainted air, knows some- 
thing of the horrors of war. 

These things are nothing to speak of, least of all to boast of, 
but the man who has done them has earned at least the right to 
speak what he thinks, as I do to-day. 

It is greatly to be feared, that by all the natural and kindly 
talk about forgetting the past and taking to our arms our late 
enemies, there has not been an obliteration of. the everlasting 
distinction between the men who fought to defend, and the men 
who fought to destroy this government. But, my friends, the 
great truths which were truths in those fateful days, between 
sixty and sixty-five, are as true to-day as they were then. Some 
men were risking all that they held dear, giving life itself, to up- 
hold and perpetuate their country; other men, with all the abili- 
ties, all the energies, all the resources that they could summon, 
were endeavoring to kill them and their cause. It was a fact, 
and you cannot take a fact out of this universe. 

Rebellion is the same as it was on that day when Reynolds 
lay dead in yonder wood, where you, the old Ninetieth, were 
helping to hold in check the gathering army of the foe; it is 
the same as on that afternoon when Howell lay dead on these 
church steps. Time has not changed the fact, that the men 
whose praises are now sung, were leading their hosts, and that 
these hosts were rushing forward in battle, to sweep you and 
your friends away in death, because you were standing for your 
country and government, while they were seeking, through your 
wounds and death, to destroy both. 

I have heard the cry, when I have elsewhere spoken, the old 
familiar cry, "The war is over. " I answer back, "Truths are 
not over, principles are not gone." They abide to-day as they 



75 

were more than a quarter of a century ago. The Rebellion was 
a crime, one of the crimes of the ages — a crime in the way of 
which neither treasure nor tears, widows' speechless gaze or 
orphans' low call of woe were permitted for a moment to stand. 
No lofty qualities of mind, no saintly character shall obscure from 
me the fact that great powers were used to beat down and blot 
from the earth my country, and to take the life of my country- 
men who were defending it; I will never honor the memory of 
such men. No glamour of martial pomp, no soft smiling talk of 
fraternity, no sneers at what they call "keeping up the animosi- 
ties of the war," shall prevent my lifting up my voice in con- 
demnation of the acts of men who laid ray friends and yours in 
the grave, nor shall prevent my teaching my children's children 
to abhor the work and mourn the memory of leaders in cabinet 
and field who did it. 

The crime of the Rebellion has been excused because the men 
who were engaged in it were conscientious, and did what they 
believed to be right. But some of the greatest crimes of history 
have been committed by men who deemed that they were right 
and wise. "The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will 
think that he doeth God service," said our divine Lord mourn- 
fully to his disciples, and his word was fulfilled. But killing 
saints and apostles was a crime. 

Twenty-four years ago, on a spring morning, just after dawn, 
there lay dying on the porch of a country house in Maryland, a 
young man, handsome in form and feature, refined and cultured. 
He was the assassin of Lincoln. He had been hunted as a wild 
beast and shot while he stood at bay. As one of his captors 
bent over him, in unavailing sympathy, he was heard murmuring 
in the gasping of a fading life. He looked at his hand, lying 
helpless by his side, paralyzed by the cruel bullet, and said "All 
useless!" Then his thoughts, going out to his dearest one, he 
whispered, "Tell my mother that I thought I did right." 



70 

Here was the effloresence, the consummate baleful flower of 
the great American Rebellion ; an epitome and condensed illus- 
tration of it all — a fateful act, vainly but conscientiously done, 
followed by immeasurable disaster and sorrow. Here was an 
error, conscientious, criminal, useless. 

I walk in thought among the myriad graves of southern sol- 
diers, I see the desolated homes! the sob of widows and the 
moan of orphans comes to me out of the mournful past. I weep 
over the slain, and in my grief I cry "They are my slain coun- 
trymen! For what was all this death? for what these tears? 
Useless! useless! It need not, it ought not to have been." 

I would have the mourners decorate those graves, I would 
have the sorrowing hallow them. I weep the more bitter tears 
because it was so wrong they died at all. I mourn the half mil- 
lion dead, causelessly slain, but with the benedictions of a saved 
nation forever singing over their graves ; their dead with mourn- 
ful memories ever more, with no sweet and blessed fruitage, the 
generations to come sighing "It need not, it ought not to have 
been ! ' ' 

To-day, on this field, sacred and to live forever in human 
history, where patriot men suffered and died — here, on this spot, 
where a minister of the Gospel was shot down, in front of the 
wounded and the dying he was consoling — here, as we look one 
another in the face, we say softly to each other, "Brother, we 
were not mistaken when we took our place in those darkened 
days of war." We hold rather the immeasurable consolation to 
our hearts, that we then stood by flag and country. There is no 
misgiving in our souls, only solemn joy that we did. We will 
go from this scene of sorrow and memorial, thanking God for 
the living and praising him for the dead. 

At the conchision of this very able address, many were the 
expressions of approbation and warm congratulation bestowed 



77 

upon the speaker. He certainly handled the subject with marked 
ability. 

The Rev. Dr. James P. Wilson, of Newark, N. J., formerly 
of Philadelphia, was originally selected to deliver the Howell 
dedicatory address, in view of the close relationship that existed 
between these life-long friends. 

The following correspondence, originals of which are with 
the records of the Association, speaks for itself: 

Newark, N. J., February lltli, 1889. 
CoL. A. J. Sellers. 

My Dear Sir. — I thank you for sending me the circular, containing 
notice of the proposed memorial to the memory of the Rev. Horatio S. 
Howell. I send herewith a small tribute, and will do more if necessary 
with the greatest pleasure. Mr. Howell and his wife (since deceased) 
were my dearest friends. I paid the expenses of his education in col- 
lege and through the Theological Seminary. He lived in my family 
two years. I ordained him at his first installation and secured for him 
his subsequent "calls" to his two following congregations, in Dela- 
ware State and at the Wat«r Gap ; and it was by my counsel he became 
Chaplain in the army, and died a noble death. I buried him at Green- 
wood Cemetery, on a beautiful Sunday morning in July, and have often 
since visited his grave. He was a sincere lover of his country, a truly 
noble man — my best and dearest friend. He never forsook a friend at 
any critical moment. He was a very pious man. Too much cannot 
be said of such a man. 

If not too much trouble, I would like to know, at j'our leisure, your 
plans respecting your monument, its cost, the probable time of its erec- 
tion, etc., and the attendant ceremonies. I have visited the spot where 
he fell, twice. 

Please excuse this tedious and incoherent letter. No one knew him 

better than I did, and no one, except his wife and children, felt and 

mourned his loss more. 

Yours tru]j% 

JAMES P. WILSON, 

41 Spruce Street. 



On the 23d day of May, 1889, after a long and useful career, 
death suddenly overcame this zealous christian gentleman and 
devoted minister of the Gospel, whose sermons were remarkable 
for their exalted style, clear reasoning and profound research. 
We mourn the loss of this eminent divine, jointly with that of 
our revered Howell. 

Rev. Dr. Aikman, alike with our Chaplain, the protege of 
Dr. Wilson, was then selected to perform the honored duty, 
and, in reply to our request, penned the following expressive 
letter: 

122 States Avenue, Atlantic City, N. J. 
June 25111, 1889. 
Coi,. A. .T. Sellers. 

Dear Sir. — Please find with this my check, in aid of the memorial 
tribute to the late Chaplain Horatio S. Howell, of the 90th Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and I gladly accept your invitation. 

Chaplain Howell was a friend of many years, whose memory I am 
glad to aid in honoring. I have twice reverentlj^ visited the place 
made forever sacred by his death — once, a couple of months after he 
fell, and again last fall. 

His murder was an emphatic expression of the cruelty of a wicked 
rebellion, a rebellion destroyed by tlie devotion of just such men as our 
lamented friend and your comrades. I bow reverently to his memory, 
while I greet you and your soldier men wlio survive. 

It was my sad fortune to have two of the three chaplains Avho were 
slain in the war as my personal friends. Howell, and Dunmore who 
was killed as he was bravely, witli rifle in hand, repelling a sudden 
night attack of the enemy in Arkansas. 

Very truly yours, 

WILLIAM AIKMAN. 

During a selection (a March) by the organist, Miss Baugher, 
the Clergy, Church Council and Survivors' Association withdrew 
to the church steps, followed by the large audience, to unveil 
the tribute. The memorial, through the kindness of Col. C. H. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE HOWELL MEMORIAL. 

Represents a Pastor's reading desk, over four feet in heighth, stand- 
ing where the Chaplain was killed. Tlie base is of rough Fox Island 
granite, rock-face finish — corners champhosed to an, octagon, ham- 
mered margin — surmounted by a highly polished column of Bellevue 
granite (very dark), upon which rests the desk — ornamented edges — 
of highly polished Westerly granite, supporting an excellent represen- 
tation of an open Bible, in bronze. Inscribed on the left page, "In 
Memoriam. Rev. Horatio S. Howell, Chaplain 90tli Penna. Vols.; was 
cruelly shot dead on these Church steps, on the afternoon of July 1st, 
1863." On the opposite page, " He delivereth me from mine enemies ; 
yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me." — Psalms 
xviii, 48. "He being dead, yet speaketh." — Hebrews xi, 4. 

A bronze tablet on the lower front of base, in raised letters, "Our 
Tribute." "Survivors' Association of the 90th Penna. Vols., and per- 
sonal friends of the lamented Chaplain." 



79 

Buehler, Vice-President of the Battle-field Association, was cov- 
ered with the national color, and as Comrade Geo. W. Watson, 
late Captain of Company H (who left a limb upon the battle-field 
in the Wilderness, Va., on the 5th of May, 1864, on Grant's 
grand forward movement), unveiled the beautiful and appropri- 
ate monument, the National Hymn, ''America," was rendered 
by the Band ; tl^e audience joined in singing. 

My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing. 
Land where my fathers died ; 
Land of the pilgrims' pride : 
From every mountain side 

Let freedom ring. 

My native country, thee, 
Land of the noble free, 

Thy name I love. 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed liills. 
My lieart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

Rev. J. K. Demarest then closed these very interesting exer- 
cises by a prayer, in language so appropriate and sympathetic 
as to move upon the hearts of all present, and to lead them to 
realize the solemnity of the occasion and the lesson which it 
inculcated. 

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," was tlien sung 
(Band accompaniment) with a warmth of fervor and unanimity, 
followed, by the benediction from Pastor Demarest. It vvas truly 
a very touching ceremony all through. 

The line of march was then resumed back to our headquar- 
ters and the command dismissed, to assemble at the railroad 



80 

depot, Monday morning at 9 o'clock, from thence to Hancock 
station, close by the Boulder monument, which marks our posi- 
tion late on the afternoon of July 2d, 18G3. 

Monday, September 2d, 1889, dawned upon us most au- 
spiciously, indications of a pleasant day brightening our hopes 
and anticipations. We are rested and refreshed by a quiet 
night's repose; and waiting for breakfast, our thoughts wan- 
dered back to the time when we, as soldiers, were at the front 
and at times on meagre fare, glad to get our hard tack and salt 
horse, and perchance a refreshing cup of coffee; and as we 
munched our hard tack, would draw on the imagination and con- 
jure up bills of fare and festive dinners at Kopple & Jones', the 
famous resort for epicureans just previous to the war. Whenever 
you find a good natured soldier, make up your mind that his 
heart lies near his stomach, and to keep him in that happy state 
of mind, cater well to that reservoir of likes and dislikes. 

7.30 o'clock found us enjoying our morning meal, and soon 
thereafter we started in column, to the inspiring music of our 
Band, halting in front of the Lutheran Church, where we ar- 
ranged ourselves around the Chaplain's memorial and on the 
steps, while Prof. Rile succeeded in obtaining a good picture of 
the entire party, save several whose nerves were not sufficiently 
steadied — it being too early in the morning. 

We soon reached the depot and in ten minutes arrived at 
Hancock station. Our line reformed and a short walk brought 
us to the spot where our Regiment was engaged on the after- 
noon of July 2d, 1863. Nick Wilson's battery fired a salute of 
three guns as we formed around the veiled memorial. 

i sanding there and listening to the booming of cannon, how 
vividly we called to mind the scenes of twenty-six years ago, and 
how thankful we felt, that during the intervening years, we had 
been providentially spared to meet again in the halo of the com- 



81 

panionship of soldierly affection. Every comrade present repre- 
sented somebody's boy, who had quit mother and home, or 
some one's husband or father, who had left an aching void 
in the hearts of wife and children, more than a quarter of a 
century ago. 



{SELECTED.] 

Loving hearts mayhajis have waited 

For the "unknown" one to come — 
Long, perhaps, yes, long, long after 

He had found his narrow home. 
Now when hope has died in anguish, 

Aching hearts this blessing crave. 
That love soothes his last hard pillow. 

Love still tends the "unknown" grave. 

Oh, ye mothers, wives and daughters. 

Tend the "unknown" grave with care. 
Who can tell, your own loved darling 

May have been called their fate to share. 
Then as ye would have some fair one 

Strew with tiowers his lonely bed, 
With kind hands and hearts most loving 

Watch and tend our '■'unknown'' dead. 




82 



Dedicaiion of Boulder Monumeni 

The order of exercises were begun b'y a selection (dedicated 
to the 90th P. V.) by the G. A, R. Band, followed by an invo- 
cation from the Rev. Dr. Wm. Airman. 

Presentation of memorial to the Battle-field Association by 
Chairman, Comrade Hillary Beyer, in the following excellent 
address : 

Comrades and Friends : 

Where this rock stands the old 90th Penna. Vols, stood, late 
on the afternoon of July 2d, 1863. The inscription on the plate 
tells you and future generations, what the Regiment did on this 
field, but let me remind you that the number of men in it at this 
time, were but a few over one hundred ; the shattered Regiment 
went forward once more to stay the advancing foe, and held the 
position assigned to them until night closed the conflict, and the 
Regiment was ordered back to Cemetery Hill. On July 3d, 
they were in several positions — about mid-day at the base of east 
Cemetery Hill, and during the progress of the greatest artillery 
duel of modern times they occupied a position on the summit of 
the hill, immediately in the rear of the batteries ; this position 
was occupied until Pickett made his appearance on his famous 
charge, then the order came to join our lines at Zeigler's grove. 
I would have you look upon this boulder. Is it not one of na- 
ture's own works? No trace of the sculptor's hand (except the in- 
scription), no finger of art has ever drawn a line ! It is a sample 
of grand old nature in its immensity ! And we trust, that as long 
as a memorial remains on this field, this one will stand, to tell to 
future generations that here a handful of brave men stood at their 





BOULiDER JVIEIVIOI^IAIJ. 



DESCRIPTION OF P>OULDER MEMORIAL. 

A huge rock weighing seven tons, bi'ought down from Round Top; 
sliinding over seven feet, from l)ehind whose moss-covered surface, 
liie sharpshooter dealt deatli and destruction, — quite historical ! The 
front, facing Hancock avenue, contains a large bronze descriptive tab- 
let, in raised letters, as follows: 

"!)Oth Regi.mknt, Pexn'a Vols., ok Philadei-I'Hi.x, 
"2d Brig., 2d Div., 1st Corps, 
" was heavilj' engaged Julj' 1st, 1808, on Oak Ridge and Munimasburg 
road, where the granite Tree Monument stands. U|)on the retirement 
of the Corps, it was formed in line of battle on Cemeterj^ Hill support- 
ing a battery. On the evening of July 2d, it was ordered to this posi- 
tion and de])loyed as skirmishers, advancing beyond the Emmitsburg 
road. The (Confederate General Barksdale, who had fallen mortally 
wounded in the attack upon the 3d Corps, was found upon the field 
and Ciirried to the rear, by men of this Regiment. After dark, the Regi- 
ment returned to Cemetery Hill. On the 8d, it first moved to the east 
or rear of Cemetery Hill, to the support of the 12th Corps engaged on 
Culp's Hill, then to the support of l)atteries on the brow of the hill, and 
soon after, at the time of the terrible assault on the 2d Corps, the Regi- 
ment changed position on the double- quick, and joined their line of bat- 
tle at Ziegler's Grove, as indicated by the Eagle Monument there. 
"NON SIBI SED PATRI^:' 

Above, a 1st Corps mark (the disc), 90th, P. V. thereon. On the 
side facing the north the I'ennsylvania Coat of Arms, on a circular 
bronze |)late with the words "Erected by the Survivors' Association." 
On the south side, a bronze representation of tlie Buck and Ball, cali- 
1)er .65) — the ammunition then used. To the eyes of some, this rugged 
mass is more beautiful than many costly shafts, because it is nature's 
haiuliwork, and unicjue in its character. 



83 

post of duty. May this be indeed, a "Rock of Ages," ages to 
come ! when those who live after us will read and wonder at the 
deeds of valor done on this ground. As Chairman of the Monu- 
ment Committee of the Survivors' Association, I now convey this 
marker to the sacred trust of the Gettysburg Battle-field Memo- 
rial Association. 

As the last words were spoken, Comrade Thomas E. Berger, 
late a Color Sergeant of the Regiment, removed the flag cover- 
ing the memorial and exposed to view the "Rock of Ages." 
The comrades of Post 9, G; A. R., fired an artillery salute. 

The acceptance, on behalf of the Battle-field Association, was 
in an address eloquently delivered, by John M. Krauth, Esq., 
of Gettysburg, in very complimentary language. 

A Poem, by Florence McCurdv, of Philadelphia, was read 
by Rev. J. K. Demarest in so able and impressive a manner, as 
to merit the most deserved applause it so warmly received. 

{FIUST DA Y'S ENGAGEMENT— SEMINARY RIDGE.) 
'Twas on this site, at Gettj^sburg, 

In eighteen liundred sixty-three, 
The Ninetieth Pennsylvania fouglit, 

Our land from bitter feud to free. 
Tliree hundred stalwart sous and brave, 

In battle's armor all complete, 
From many hard-won fields had come, 

And in one common cause to meet. 
"Mid clanging sounds of hoof and steel, 

And cannons rattling loud and clear. 
They came, those valiant heroes came, 

And set their standard colors here. 

The day was sultry, hot and clear, 

And gorgeous shone tlie July sun, 
Its splendor flashing far and near 

From rifle, musket, sword and gun. 



84 

A deep and solemn stillness reigned, 

The drowsy vales and hills along. 
The insect choirs no longer chii-ped, 

Nor trilled their lays the birds of song ; 
For two opposing armies stood 

In battle's dread and grim array ; — 
One clad in uniform of blue : 

The other, in Confed'rate gray. 

At length came forth the stern command, 

And forward moved their bold brigade 
Witli steady pulse, undaunted mien, 

And hearts by terror undismayed : 
Unmindful of the battle's din. 

And sabre-clash and tramp of steeds. 
Tliose manly boys made sacrifice 

Of noble lives in gallant deeds. 
For three long hours they held their post, 

That "Post of Honor" bravely won, 
Tho' comrades dying lay, and dead. 

And ranks were thinning one by one. 

Foot-sore and weary, famished, faint, 

Those dauntless soldiers then withdrew ; 
But Oh ! it was a ghastly sight 

That battle-field disclosed to view ! 
The tide that coursed those sun-kissed hills 

In rivulets of deepest dye, 
And poured its flood o'er mead and fen, 

Outvied the crimson of the sky. 
And, yet it was a glorious charge 

Those gallant soldiers that day made 
A cliarge that shall on record live. 

Though with a ransom dearly paid. 

And here again at Gettysburg, 
The brave survivors meet once more, 

Wliile fervent hearts and thrilling tongues 
Rehearse the story of the war. 



85 

Near by this hallowed battle-ground, 

Full many a moss-grown grave is seen — 
Where fallen heroes peaceful rest, 

Tho' long sad years have rolled between. 
O, careless stranger, as you pass 

Yon sacred spot, with rev'rence tread ; 
For sleepeth there no craven soul. 

In that lone "City of the Dead." 

The National Hymn, "America," was rendered by the Band; 
the audience joined in singing with a warmth of feeling in keep- 
ing with the grand thoughts the ode signified. 

President A. J. Sellers then delivered tlie following 

DGdicafor\; eAddress. 

Comrades, Ladies and Gentletneti : 

Once more we lay aside the employments of the world, forget 
the busy scenes of life, and assemble to recall the memory of 
those solemn days when the destiny of the country hung in the 
balance — when fratricidal hands sought to strike down the genius 
of liberty, and to undo the work founded by the Fathers of the 
Republic — by the loftiest memories cherished of patriotic sacri- 
fice and devotion. 

We come here, however, not to fan the dying embers of 
animosity, shaped in the fierce heat of passionate civil war — for 
in one grave, passion, hate, sectionalism and the shackles of the 
slave are now happily buried by ploughshares in peaceful fields, 
or in the calm cities of the dead, where the daisies of forgive- 
ness and the sweet roses of reconciliation entwine antagonistic 
colors in friendly embrace. Our inflexible purpose is to main- 
tain the unity and indivisibility of the Republic, and to keep 
bright that patriotic fervor, in obedience to which our comrades 
gave up the ties of home and friends, and in the din of battle 



86 

laid down their lives. We come to commemorate the noble 
deeds of the men, who with us stood sentry over the nation, who 
in summer's fevered heat and amid winter's cold and storm, up- 
held the glorious symbol of our country, and carried it through 
the tempests of battle, until the last armed foe surrendered. Our 
comrades gave away their lives, but took with them an immortal 
glory and the gratitude of endless generations; they may repose 
in unknown graves south of the Potomac, or sleep beneath the 
sea, yet poetry and eloquence will embalm their memory and 
keep ever bright the recollection of heroic deeds. If we should 
omit from history all its heroism and the story of its heroic 
deeds, how barren would be the record. 

The national history of Great Britain is kept alive to-day by 
her Marlborough, her Wellington and her Nelson ; Prussia by 
her Frederick; France by her Napoleon. The Grecians who at 
Marathon routed the Piersian hordes, expelling the Turks from 
the free soil of their native land, were "echoes that aroused the 
entire world." In later years, the shot the loyal farmers fired at 
Lexington, gave to an overbearing nation an earnest demonstra- 
tion that a free and independent people could have an existence. 
It was the entering wedge, the laying of the foundation stone of 
the grandest, the freest nation that will ever have an existence 
wliile the world lasts. It was the remembrance of that struggle 
that, in 1861, aroused the national s[)irit to the protection of 
national life. Twenty-eight years have jxassed since the stars 
and stripes were fired upon at Sumpter, and as time rolls on, the 
rising generations ask, "What is the meaning of these cere- 
monies? Why these monuments of granite and bronze? For 
what then did these men fight and die.-'" The answers to these 
questions are requisite, now and for years to come, to keep alive 
in the national mind the value of our institutions and the 
tremendous cost to perpetuate them. 

No people can afford to forget the noble tleeds of any of its 



citizens who have suffered and endured for each other in the 
past, and who are willing to suffer and endure in the future 
whenever true patriotism calls upon them to suffer. It is just 
such wonderful deeds, as those performed by the heroes in our 
great civil strife, which proves to the world that we possess the 
elements of valor and self-sacrifice, which constitute a great 
nation among the people of the world; and . the moment you 
cease to recollect and cherish all the valiant deeds of the past, 
you will at once destroy all guarantees for the future. When the 
sun sinks in the west, it leaves the clouds flushed with the roseate 
hue of departed glory; so the recollection of our beloved com- 
rades still lingers, suffusing us with the glory of fond and tender 
memories. 

Comrades, another year has rolled by, since we assembled on 
yonder ridge, and there dedicated our "Tree" Monument, to 
commemorate the valor and patriotism of the old 90th Penn'a, 
for our regiment there held the post of honor, the extreme right 
of the 1st Corps on that memorable July 1st afternoon, twenty- 
six years ago. Not until their ammunition was exhausted, after 
having replenished from the cartridge boxes of the slain and 
wounded — not until then did we reluctantly withdraw, over- 
whelmed by vastly superior numbers. A remnant of the regi- 
ment crowded around the guns of Stewart's Battery B, 4th 
U. S, Artillery, and did yeoman service, assisting for a time in 
checking the victorious onslaught of Hill's superior numbers. 
The guns were saved and on Cemetery Hill echoed back the 
thunder of Lee's reveille. 

One year ago, we also erected at Ziegler's Grove a second 
memorial, known as the "Eagle" Monument, to mark our pos- 
ition on the third day, where our decimated numbers were sent 
on the skirmish line; some of whom there answered their last 
roll-call. Yesterday we unveiled, on the steps of the Christ 
Lutheran Church, on Chambersburg Street of Gettysburg, a 



88 

memorial to commemorate the noble attributes of our lamented 
Chaplain, Rev. Horatio S. Howell, who was cruelly shot down 
on the steps of the church, where he had been administering to 
the wounded and dying. 

Standing by my side is the worthy son of an honored sire, 
Horatio S. Howell, named after his father; and as I grasp his 
hand, we the Survivors, commune in spirit through him with our 
departed friend and Chaplain. 

We are now assembled around this "Rock of Ages," appro- 
priately inscribed and embellished, to commemorate our position 
on the second day of July, our brigade having been brought 
from Cemetery Hill to strengthen the line of battle that had 
been penetrated by Longstreet, in his grand assault upon the 
3d Corps, which finally resulted in his being compelled to with- 
draw. From this position we were again sent upon the skirmish 
line, as exjjlained in the description on the tablet. Let us re- 
joice that the horrors of the battle-field are over. 

Permit me to say a word in conclusion for the noble women 
of the war. Scarcely had the cannon ceased to roar when the 
sisters of christian benevolence, ministers of compassion, angels 
of peace, hastened to the field and the hospital, to moisten the 
parched tongue, to bind the wounds, to soothe the parting ago- 
nies alike of friend and foe, and to catch the last whispered mes- 
sages of love from dying lips. "Carry this miniature back to 
my dear wife, but do not take it from my bosom 'till I am gone!" 
"Tell my sister not to grieve for me; I am willing to die for 
m\- country!" "Oh that my mother were here!" 

A tli()iis;ui(l f;l<)ri()us actions, tliat niio^ht claim 
Triuini)lKint hunvls and iniuiortal fame, — 
Con fused ill clouds of j::^lorions actions lie, 
And troops of lieroes undistinguislied die. 

May the rising generation be imbued with the spirit of loyalty 
and love of country; let them read the story of those heroic 



89 

struggles o'er and o'er again, that gave the. nation a new birth 
of freedom, that they may see in the Stars and Stripes the em- 
blem of liberty, equal rights, and national unity. 

No man who has never been a soldier can understand the full 
meaning of the word "Fraternity." You felt it when you shared 
your blanket or the contents of your haversack and canteen with 
a comrade. It thrilled as an electric shock at the touch of elbows 
amid the hail storm of death's missiles upon the battle-field. 
The ties of fraternity were welded in the fire of battle. Fra- 
ternity, begotten in the heat of battle, will bloom in the sun- 
shine of peace. 

With this fourth memorial, our work in this direction is com- 
pleted, and we rest from our labors, with the assurance tliat it 
was not in vain we rallied round the Stars and Stripes. 

My comrades, the evidence of your devotion is written 
upon many a hard fought battle-field; the silent tents of green, 
where sleep those who went out with you in '61-62-63, but 
did not return, are the eternal witnesses of your patriotism. 
The evidence of your loyalty shines forth from every star, and 
is written by the finger of heroism upon every stripe of the 
nation's flag. 

The granite minstrels' voiceless stone, 

lu deathless song shall tell, 
When many a vanished year hath flown, 

The story why ye fell ; 

Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight. 

Nor time's I'emorseless doom, 
Can dim one ray of holy light 

That gilds each glorious tomb. 

The manifestations of applause and the congratulations that 
followed the address, clearly evidenced the hearty appreciation 
of the sentiments expressed and the pleasure it evoked. 



90 

The Band then rendered a selection, entitled "The Soldier's 
Dream," listened to with wrapt attention. 

The ceremony closed with the singing of the Doxology, 
Band accompaniment, and the Benediction by the Rev. J. K. 
Demarest. This event marks the completion, by the Survivors' 
Association, of a most pleasant and enjoyable duty. The closing 
account of the services from the Gettysburg Star afid Sentinel 
are quoted "The church was crowded to overflowing, the exer- 
cises were of unusual interest, but our people were not surprised as 
the 90th have been here before and they know what to expect." 

The deeds of the living as well as the dead heroes, have been 
commemorated in bronze and granite for all time to come, and 
the rising, and generations to come can point to these monu- 
ments, reminders of the undying love and unselfish devotion of 
the patriots who in 1863, stood between rebel bayonets and the 
altar of our country. 

As long as on earth the green grass grows, 
The deeds of our soldiers shall live in story ; 

As long as the sea tide ebbs and flows, 
The tale shall be told of our navy's glory. 

As long as the day dispels the night, 
Our flag shall shine in its beauty bright — 

Tlie radiant emblem, by shore and sea. 
O'er a land whose sons will ever keep free. 

At 10.15, a parting salute was given us, as we wended our 
way along Hancock avenue to the clump of trees (now railed in) 
and the stone wall, known as the Bloody Angle, where a lecttire 
was given by the battle-field guide, Capt. Long, on the day's 
contest. The writer will briefly summarize that eventful day: 
Johnson, of Ewell's Cori)s (Confederate), having occupied, on 
the night of the second, the intrenchments south of Gulp's Hill 
(our right), vacated by the 12th Corps, who went to the relief of 



91 

the 3d Corps, when so closely pressed by Hill (Confederate), — 
and having advanced so near to the Baltimore pike where our 
ammunition trains were parked (of which he knew not), grew 
suspicious and fearing it a trap, withdrew to the more secure 
position around Culp's Hill. Slocum's men (Union) having re- 
turned late on the evening of the second, found the enemy in 
possession, but waited until daylight of the third, when they 
fiercely attacked and drove them back, regaining their original 
position. Thus did Lee fail in his attack on our right, left and 
centre, when he concluded to make a final effort to pierce our 
lines this (the third) day, he having been reinforced by Stuart's 
Cavalry and the fresh Division of Pickett. 

History does not record a greater, if as great an artillery battle 
as that which preceded the final heroic charge of Lee's subor- 
dinates — Pickett, Pettigrew and Pender. 138 Confederate guns, 
for two hours, belched forth torrents of shrieking shell and shot 
upon our lines; caisson after caisson were blown up, until at 
times the lowering clouds of smoke obscured the view. With 
equal ferocity, the 150 Union guns replied, reverberating like 
unto peals of thunder, which fairly made the earth tremble as 
though an earthquake was at hand. Finally, Gen. Hunt (recently 
deceased), our Chief of Artillery, directed a temporary cessation 
in or^er to reserve our ammunition, for what he keenly anticipa- 
ted, the grand infantry assault. This lull misled Lee, who took 
it for granted as a favorable indication of the destructiveness of 
his concentrated fire — partial demolition of some of our batteries 
and a general demoralization. It was then that the sagacious 
and intrepid Longstreet was directed to form, much against his 
will, for the ever memorable attack. The strong column consisted 
not only of Pickett's Division, as we hear it so often erroneously 
stated, which included the Virginia contingent — the flower of 
his army, but Pettigrew's Division and two Brigades of Pender's 
Division of Hill's Corps. Stuart, with his cavalry, at this op- 



92 

portune time, made an unsuccessful attack on our right and rear, 
(the cavalry shaft is discernible on a clear day north-east from 
Cemetery Hill,) but the gallant men of Gregg and Custer, after 
a severe battle, overcome and forced Stuart to retreat. Kilpat- 
rick, on our left, kept Longstreet engaged to prevent his rein- 
forcing Pickett, pending this dying gasp of chivalrous Lee on 
free soil. 

On came the magnificent line of battle, but Wilcox's Ala- 
bamians and Perry's Floridians, who should have guarded Pick- 
ett's right flank, became separated from it, the line not being 
kept intact — no doubt by the terrible havoc created by the mur- 
derous fire and the Codori buildings. On however they pressed, 
regardless of the harvest of death they were reaping. 

Armistead, surrounded by his men, leaped the stone wall and 
reached our Cushing's guns, and in the hand to hand conflict 
both Armistead and Cushing were killed, martyrs to their re- 
spective cause. But; there the assault was forever stayed. 

Of LongsLreet's Corps, Pickett's three Brigadiers, Garnett and 
Armistead were killed and Kemper wounded. Fry, who com- 
manded Pettigrew's Brigade of Hill's Corps, was dangerously 
wounded, as was also Pettigrew. Only one field officer of Pick- 
ett's Division came out unhurt. 

Stannard's Vermont Brigade, of the staunch old 1st Qorps, 
largely contributed to the grand result of the day by that adroit 
strategic movement, in taking advantage of Pickett's divided 
column, quickly forming line of battle in the interval and open- 
ing a most terrific and destructive enfilading fire on them upon 
both flanks. This Brigade of the 1st Corps covered themselves 
with glory, e(]ually with the Philadelphia Brigade, who received 
the shock of Pickett's charge. Robinson's Division, also of the 
1st Corps {which i)icluded our goth), came over Cemetery Hill 
on the double-quick and assisted in repelling the tidal wave, and 
there witnessed the collapse of the high water mark of the Re- 



93 

bellion. Pickett's supports failed him ; the battle was over and 
Lee must have therefore seen Appomatox ! 

"Baffled and beaten l)ackward they reeled. 
From stubborn Meade and a barren field." 

The echoes of victorious Gettysburg came reverberating back 
from Vicksburg, with a halo of glory resplendent with immortal 
lustre. Grant and Meade, the heroes of the day! 

The train being in waiting at Hancock station we, at 11.15 
A. M., returned to the town and at once made preparation for 
our departure. This year we were all located under the same 
roof, thereby having our forces well in hand, a better concert of 
action disciplined all our movements. The last meal was a par- 
ticularly enjoyable one. Diller was determined to send us away 
///// and rejoicing, and to keep his end of the line up in harmony 
with all the rest of our enjoyments, for we had been especially 
favored in many particulars — fortunate as to the weather, a most 
important dispensation of nature's blessing. 

Had we deferred our journey until September 12th, known 
as Pennsylvania Day, we would have experienced the most in- 
clement weather; also, the great inconvenience attending over- 
crowded hotels, boarding houses and streets. The writer knows 
whereof he speaks, he being an attendant upon the State cere- 
monies appertaining to the dedication of Pennsylvania's State 
monuments. The 90th was, however, well represented and, had 
the parade not been abandoned on account of the rain, would 
have been the fourth organization in the column. The follow- 
ing comrades were in attendance: Johnson Roney, William H. 
Grouse, John S. Davis, J. Emory Byram, John A. Harris, Geo. 
F. Peall, C. A. Von Hartleben, Chas. F. Simmons, Albert C. 
Johnston, Fredk. Genther, Jas. J. Hasson, Kirk Marple, John 
Shiels, A. M. Theiss, Jas. F. Hefley, F. A. Chadwick, Henry S. 
Berge, John S. French, Jos. G. Patterson, Henry J. Bockius, 



94 

Assistant Surgeon Geo. P. Tracy, Chas. King, David Hughes, 
Tas. T- Edmunds, Uriah Transue and A. J. Sellers. 

The hour arrived to bid farewell to our Gettysburg friends ; 
the special cars, which had been retained for us on the side track, 
were brought into requisition, all aboard from the conductor, 
and at 1.33 P. M. we bade adieu to Gettysburg, starting for Bal- 
timore, over the Western Maryland road. With a clear track, 
on we sped, passing Hanover and other beautifully located Mary- 
land towns, and through a lovely picturesque country, without a 
stop until we reached our destination — Fulton station, Balti- 
,more, at 4 o'clock, where large four-horse commodious transfer 
coaches conveyed us to Camden station. The ride was a most 
delightful one, and enjoyably varied the mode of transportation, 
giving us a partial view of Baltimore. 

An amusing episode transpired as we alighted from the coach- 
es and entered the depot. The ladies' ribboned badges and the 
gilt lettered hat bands of the Veterans caused a momentary in- 
(juiry as to who they might be. "Oh," says a wiseacre, or per- 
haps an unreconstructed, in a satirical manner, " they are the 
Salvation Army." Quick a^ a flash came the repartee, from our 
Mrs. B , "Truly spoken! Yes, they are, the 'SALVA- 
TION Ariny of'6j,' and don't you forget it !" 

At 5.35 P. M. we left Camden station; the train intact 
crossed the Patapsco river on the transfer steamer John W. Gar- 
rett ; looming up in sight, was Fort McHenry and Locust Point, 
at which place our old 19th Regiment was stationed during July, 
ISfil, but the march of improvement has partially obliterated 
the old landmarks. Soon Baltimore was lost to sight as we 
whirled along, making splendid time towards our own home-like* 
city. 

Just previous to our journey's end, the time ])assed most 
rapidly, in the interchange of parting salutations ; old and new 



95 

acquaintances were extending invitations for future visits and re- 
unions. We reached our destination at 7.50 P. M. (Sept. 2d), 
without an accident, or anything whatsoever, to mar the enjoy- 
ment that we, one and all experienced. 

Philadelphia is good enough for us, notwithstanding so oft 
quoted slow (which has become a threadbare story, but let us 
add, sure and solid. Having awakened from its oft told lethar- 
gy, the march of permanent improvement is greater than ever 
before, and when effected, will consume several millions of dol- 
lars. The signs of progress are seen on every hand. It is the 
most thoroughly native-born American city of all the large cities 
of the North, East and West. The wages, profits or fortunes 
earned in Philadelphia come from steady industry and real work. 
This is a making or producing city — speculation is not rampant, 
hence why so much is invested in real estate, particularly by those 
of humble station in life. 

The large, magnificent and unique buildings erected during 
the past few years compare most favorably with any like struct- 
ures in the land, evidencing a spirit of enterprise and go-ahead- 
ativeness. 

On the 28th day of August, 1609, the Delaware river was 
first discovered by Henry Hudson, an Englishman (after whom 
the Hudson or North river is named). He was interested in the 
Dutch East India Company. 

In 1010 Thomas, Lord De-la-War in his voyage to Virginia, 
stopped at the bay and was supposed to be the discoverer of the 
river. The jfirst explorer was Cornelius Jacobsen May, who in 
the year 1613 entered the river in the craft "Foriune." 

It was in l(i37 that the Swedes settled upon a narrow strip of 
land on the edge of the forest, known formerly as Southwark, in 
Philadel])hia. Penn afterwards came in his good ship "Wel- 
come," and effected an amicable exchange of land with the 
Swedes, whereupon he was permitted to settle tliere. Gloria 



96 

Dei Church, better known as "Old Swede's," the oldest church 
in Philadel])hia, was erected in 1698 of brick; the main body 
of the church remains in its original state. For fifty years pre- 
vious it Iiad been a log church, and made use of as a l)lock-house 
for defence against hostile Indians. Christ Church, built l(!fl5, 
whose steeple contains the oldest chime of bells in America, cast 
1754. Washington was a worshipper in this renowned edifice. 

The first Bible ])ublishe(l in this country was by Christoi)lier 
Sower, 1743. Germantown had the first type foundry, 1735 ; 
first newspaper, 1739. Philadelphia the birth-place of the nation, 
where the first Continental Congress assembled, in Carpenter' s 
Hall, in 1774. 

Independence Hall, the most interesting object in Philadel- 
phia, was begun in 1729, completed 1735. On July 4th, 1776, 
Congress met here, when the Declaration was adopted, and pro- 
claimed from the ste[)s on the same day. Within the National 
Museum there now hangs the ^'' old bell,'" which ])ealed forth the 
glad tidings from Leviticus xxv, 10. 

The greatest manufacturing industries in the world are to be 
found in Philadeli)hia, some of them have no rivals. The re- 
nowned DissTON Saw and File Works; the famous Baf,dwin 
Locomotive Works, with 4,168 employees; the Bromley Carpet 
Mills; the Dolan Woolen and Worsted Mills; the White Den- 
tal Depot; the LippiNCOTT Publishing Hou.se; the immense sugar 
refineries, foremost amongst whom is Claus SpRECKr-;Ls, recently 
located here in preference to any other city ; Powers & Weight- 
man, manufacturing chemists, and the renowned Cramp & Son.s, 
ship builders. These are but a few of Philadelphia's vast enter- 
prises. 

It has always taken the lead of all other American cities, viz., 
in the aggregate of establishments, variety of articles made, num- 
ber of persons employed, and the value thereof. Statistics cor- 
roborate this. With its 12,000 factories and over, giving em- 



97 

ployment to more than 240,000 persons, and a manufacturing 
capital of $375,000,000 dollars; its capitalists are prominent in 
extending railway systems in the largest cities of the Union. 

Pennsylvania being the great petroleum and coal producing 
State, Philadelphia is the great centre for exportation; but her 
commerce is retarded, owing to the obstruction in the Delaware 
channel, of the islands opposite the city. Their removal would 
afford a new wharf line, adequate to accommodate traffic and 
the largest vessels. Favorable legislation by the National Gov- 
ernment is early anticipated. Even the Schuylkill, at the city 
wharves, will permit of thirteen to fourteen feet draught vessels. 

Broad street is a noble thoroughfare, 113 feet wide, through 
the heart of the city, extending 15 miles, at the foot of which is 
League Island Naval Station (600 acres presented by the city to 
the government), destined to be the finest in the country — pos- 
sessing so many natural advantages not to be found elsewhere. 
The two dry docks which the government has recognized, with 
other improvements, will be of the most elaborate character. 

In iron ship building, Philadelphia surpasses any other locality 
in the United States. The Delaware river is the "American 
Clyde." The famous ship building yards of the Messrs. Cramp 
and Sons, of great magnitude, who made a world-wide reputa- 
tion in constructing the "New Ironsides," and very recently 
crowned their many successes in the construction of the Ameri- 
can cruisers, the fastest and finest in the world. 

With the exception of London, no city in the world can lay 
claim to the miles of paved streets, over 900; or public sewer- 
age, over 300; or railway tracks, over 300, — and to Philadelphia 
belongs the credit and enterprise of having the first street pass- 
enger railway. In the general plan of and the numbering of its 
streets, it stands unsurpassed, as also in its system of sewerage, 
due in part to its locality between two rivers; and to not being 
huddled together, hence the reputation of being such a healthy 



98 

city, for by the recent statistics, published in a New York jour- 
nal, Philadelphia stafids third in its ratio of minimum mortality, 
San Francisco first, Washington second. The area of the city 
is 129 square miles, or 82,700 acres. Chicago this year enlarged 
her municipal borders, so as to include an area of 174 miles, yet 
with this addition, fails numerically, in securing second place. 
Philadelphia has now a population exceeding one million (fe- 
males in the majority). The wonderful growth of the city is 
demonstrated on every hand; 1889 breaks the record, in the 
erection of new buildings, viz., 6,498 in the first six months, 
the cost of which, $19,860,317, add $1,000,000 for alterations, 
equal to $21,000,000. The number of its residences is over 
260,000, far, far greater in proportion to its population than any 
city in the Union. A scarcity of tenement houses is noticeable 
and the citizen is largely the custodian of his own homestead. 

Philadelphia is renowned for, and has larger hospital accom- 
modations, in proportion to population, than any other city in 
the States; many rivalling in beauty the best in the land. 

There are 45 colleges and institutions of learning, 21 medical 
colleges, — 120 hospitals, dispensaries and asylums, besides nu- 
merous beneficial institutions and homes — possessing some of 
the most elaborate and commodious buildings and grounds — In 
Bank, Trust and Safe Deposit Companies — its buildings outrival 
any other city. 44 Banks with a combined capital of $300, 000,- 
000. 515 places of worship — Protestant Episcopal in the ad- 
vance, followed in succession by the Methodist, Presbyterian, 
Baptist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Friends — comprising 
some of the largest and most beautiful church edifices in the 
land. 

It is with a sense of pride that we point to that stately im- 
posing marble edifice, our Public Buildings with its 520 rooms 
covering a tract of floor room 14^4 acres, and whose tower will 
stand 537 feet, 4 inches above the pavement; the Eiffel tower 



99 

and Washington Monument alone exceed it. Philadelphia can 
lay claim to possessing the largest municipal building in America; 
one of the largest buildings in the world, and its cost will be 
about fifteen million dollars. 

Our GiRARD College, occupying 50 acres and walled in, 
whose Trust is the custodian of property approximating fifty mil- 
lions. Over 1,300 boys, now residents thereof, are fed, clothed 
and educated in all branches, including scientific and mechanical 
attainments. The central edifice is one of the most magnificent 
structures of its size in the world ; in the lower vestibule rests the 
remains of Stephen Girard, beneath a marble statue of himself. 

The RiDGWAY Library, a large and imposing granite struc- 
ture costing $1,500,000, with an immense library. The Phil- 
adelphia, Mercantile, Franklin Institute, Apprentices' and other 
excellent libraries, containing hundreds of thousands of volumes. 

Our Masonic Temple, the finest Masonic building in the 
world, built of granite and costing $1,300,000; its tower 250 
feet in height. 

The Academy of Natural Sciences, the oldest in America, 
founded 1812, — a fire proof building with a library of 30,000 
volumes and the largest collection of birds in the world (85,000 
specimens), combined in a collection of 250,000 various curios. 
Agassiz pronounced it one of the finest natural science collec- 
tions in the world. 

Our spacious Academy of Music — seating capacity 3,000 — 
is claimed to be the finest music hall in America, particularly so 
on account of its strength, its acoustic properties, and facilities 
for egress. 

Where is to be found more stately and beautiful newspaper 
edifices and offices than the Public Ledger and Record, in 
their advantageous locations, or a building in the whole world 
that can compare in size and magnitude with the Grand Depot 
of John Wanamaker, and conducted on such an elaborate scale. 



100 

When Philadelphia is to be represented on any public occasion, 
or the city has guests to be honored, "John" is always equal 
to the emergency. His fidelity to his city has prevented the 
acceptance of many opportunities to locate elsewhere. 

Of public spirited and charitable men, Philadelphia is largely 
represented. George W. Childs, of the Public Ledger, stands 
forth a model philanthropist. 

Our commodious hotels compare very favorably with those 
of any other city. 

The Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Ohio Depots are mod- 
els of beauty and convenience, — regarded the finest of the kind 
in the country. 

Aside from the Brooklyn Bridge, Girard Avenue is the finest 
and widest promenade bridge in the world; built of iron, and a 
belgian block roadway; costing a million and a half dollars. 

Approaching the city by the Delaware, next to the Public 
Buildings, looms up the highest and largest banking house build- 
ing in the country, the Drexel white marble palace, whose 
banking facilities branch over both Continents. 

Our Pennsylvania University with its buildings, and our 
Medical Colleges, the pride of our city. 

Our Academy of Fine Arts, with its many valuable private 
collections, possessing all the new improvements essential to a 
successful exhibit, as well as a student's resort. 

Our Blind, Deaf and Dumb, and West Philadelphia (Kirk- 
bride's) Asylums, all admirably conducted private institutions, 
whose spacious grounds are unequalled anywhere. The same 
can be said of the United States Naval Asylum. 

Laurel Hill Cemetery, embracing 200 acres, adjoins Fair- 
mount Park, and is celebrated as one of the most beautiful in 
the country; and from its high bluffs is afforded one of the 
handsomest scenic views that nature can bestow. The " Diss- 
ton" tomb is a noteworthy mausoleum therein. Tiie Woodland 



101 

Cemetery in West Philadelphia contains the " Drexel " mauso- 
leum, one of the costliest in America. The Mount Vernon 

* 

Cemetery — the "Gardel" tomb, on the front of which, marble 
statues of life size, represents an Egyptian funeral procession. 

The water advantages offered by the beautiful and placid 
Schuylkill, affords our well disciplined and equipped Schuylkill 
Navy a vast field of pleasure and exercise, and the many hand- 
some boat houses are a credit to them and an ornament to the 
city. The Philadelphia Ball Park and grand pavilion is un- 
surpassed, if equalled, by any like structure in the States. 

No better organized, equipped and disciplined Military 
body, with such spacious armories, can be found anywhere. At 
the recent Presidential inaugurations, the Press of the land 
accorded to the Pennsylvania troops the credit they so justly 
merited. Philadelphia always was celebrated for its Volunteer 
Fire organization, now replaced by one of the best paid fire de- 
partments -in the world, ably seconded by its Insurance Patrol. 

The Zoological Garden's lovely grounds — 33 acres — with 
its stately trees, once the country seat of John Penn, grandson 
of Wm. Penn, is the only institution of its kind in the country 
that can boast of a collection of animals comparing favorably 
with similar gardens in Europe. 

Fairmount Park, with its 2,740 acres, the largest ci/y park 
in the world, adorned with natural beauty, wealthy in attractive 
drives; .also including our tranquil Schuylkill and romantic Wis- 
sahickon, full of charming scenery all along its tortuous wind- 
ings, sylvan nooks and flowery dells. 

Memorial Hall, a splendid stone edifice erected upon a 
terrace, at a cost of $1,500,000, now used as a receptacle for 
industrial and art collections, is without an equal in the country. 

Horticultural Hall, with its 7,000 specimens of rare and 
choice plants and trees, surrounded with magnificent landscape 
gardening, stands forth the queen of the park. 



102 

Where can you find more beautifully located suburban resi- 
dences than Philadelphia's vicinity? All of which go to beau- 
tify and popularize Penn's choice for a model city. On Lemon 
Hill, near the lofty iron observatory, is the residence (now used 
as a restaurant) where Robert Morris, the great financier, lived 
during the Revolutionary War. 

I quote from a New York stand point, i. e., the American 
Publishing and Engraving Go's work on Philadelphia, published 
in New York, 1889: "Philadelphia is one of the most marvel- 
ous cities of this marvelous New World, dating back to 1682, 
when founded by William Penn — marvelous in its growth, her 
progress collectively in the fields of literature, science and art, 
manufacturing and business advantages warrant that appreciative 
comment so eminently due it; and forming a revelation of pro- 
gressive enterprise in the annals of American history, surpassed 
by none and equalled by few, if any of the cities of the New 
World. Philadelphia possesses more relics of the past, more 
edifices around which hang a halo of history, than any other city 
of the Union ; as a manufacturing centre, the name and fame of 
Philadelphia stands pre-eminent from the Atlantic to the Pacific; 
to the man of science, no city can boast of better equipped insti- 
tutions of learning, and to the mechanic, artisan and journeyman 
laborer of all classes, the diversified character of her manufac- 
tures opens an avenue for the practical exhibition of her talents 
nowhere presented to them under such favorable auspices. 

"Philadelphia is essentially a city of business principles, and 
of severely utilitarian ideas, yet these having been carried out to 
their logical ends, have resulted in placing the Quaker city in 
the front rank of municipalities which have combined business 
enterprise with the most necessary expression of beauty and sen- 
timent. Fairmount Park exemplifies this, which for extent and 
beauty cannot be excelled on the continent, possibly not in the 
world. Dividing and through the Park runs the Schuylkill river 



103 

and romantic Wissahickon — the ever present charms of natural 
scenery, whose exquisite beauty has received but the touch of 
human genius. Fairmount Park stands alone pre-eminent as one 
of the best examples of what a park should be — the lungs of the 
city, the recreation ground of its people, rich and poor alike. 

"Whatever the census of 1890 may show positively, there is 
no denying the fact, that in all the features which distinguish a 
great metropolis as connected with religion, morality, charity, 
benevolence, industry, trade, art, science, literature, education, 
Philadelphia is behind no city of its size in the world, while by 
its broad territorial size, peculiarities of building, cheap and 
good markets, with an abundance of air, light and water, it ex- 
ceeds in comfort and within the reach of the poorest classes, any 
other city of the world, and is justly entitled to the appellation 
of the 'City of Homes,' as well as to that of the 'City of 
Brotherly Love.' " A very just expression of opinion ! 

It is with considerable pride and pleasure that we recount the 
unanimity that has characterized all our deliberations, apper- 
taining to the selection of designs, and details in general, even 
to the perfecting of arrangements governing our two pilgrimages 
and to all other matters, wherein the Association had any inter- 
est. The records show unanimous action in every instance; this 
is remarkable, in view of the oft quoted opinion expressed re- 
garding old soldiers being the greatest of "kickers." 

The annual benefit of the Association was marked by an event 
of which the following extract from the Philadeli)hia Times, of 
November 7th, speaks for itself: 

PRESENTATION AT THE PARK. 

Col. a. J. Sellers agreeably surprised by his Friends. 

"The Survivors' Association of the Ninetieth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers gave a benefit last evening at the New Park Theatre 
to commemorate the successful erection by the Association, of 



104 

four monurqents on the battle-field of Gettysburg and as a tribute 
to the President of their society. When the curtain had fallen 
upon the fourth act of "Josephine," Comrade J. Emory Byram 
arose from his ])roscenium box and in a neat little speech, in the 
course of which he alluded to Colonel Sellers' creditable career 
in both the Nineteenth and Ninetieth Regiments during the Re- 
bellion, and his work in assisting to erect the monuments at 
Gettysburg, presented him with four magnificently bound vol- 
umes of the Century Annals of the Civil War, and Colonel Fox's 
valuable work on Regimental Losses (both armies), a volume of 
vast research and interest. The Colonel, in reply, expressed his 
thanks and outlined the work already done, and projected by 
the Association of which he was President. Among those inter- 
ested in the presentation, who occupied .seats either in the boxes 
or the body of the house, were Mr. John M. Gessler, who erected 
the Gettysburg statues; Magistrate Lelar, Magistrate Roney, 
William H. Crouse, Samuel B. Roney, Health Officer Joseph G. 
Patterson, John S. Davis, Francis A. Chadwick, Wm. P. Davis, 
Chas. F Simmons, M. V. B. Davis, Wm. H. Siner, Geo. E. 
Paul, Theo. Leidig, Dr. James Collins, and others." 

It would be an act of injustice to close this narrative, without 
bestowing praise where praise is due. Comrade John M. Gessler, 
of the 19th P. V. ( Post 2), erected three of the memorials, and 
the Association, in meeting assembled, recorded their endorse- 
ment of his part, with unanimous thanks, in having so intelli- 
gently and faithfully portrayed in granite, the sentiment expressed 
by the designer of the monuments. We feel proud of his work- 
manship, and the satisfaction given is only measured by his 
integrity, as practised in all his dealings with us. 

For Bureau Bros., who designed and wrought out the details 
in bronze, entrusted to their skill and judgment, we have words 
of congratulation and commendation. 



105 

To Florence McCurdy, of Philadelphia; Rev. J. K. Demar- 
est, Comrades Nicholas G. Wilson, Supt. Battle-field Association; 
Col. W. T. Ziegler, Veteran Legion; Photographers Rile & Co., 
and Wm. H. Tipton, all of Gettysburg, we are much indebted 
for and appreciate the many acts of kindness. 

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST! 

The financial status of the Association, in view of the large 
expenditure on account of monuments, is very gratifying to us, 
because of no indebtedness. The generous and liberal response 
of our own membership, is a source of pride and mutual con- 
gratulation. Grateful friends co-operated and nobly responded, 
in a substantial manner, thereby fully appreciating the services 
and sacrifices of the soldier and sailor, and identified themselves 
in commemorating, on the field of Gettysburg, the heroic deeds 
and achievements of the actors who stood between rebel bayo- 
nets and their homes and firesides. 

Particularly is this due to the Second Regiment, N. G. P., 
Col. R. P. Dechert. The heartfelt thanks of the Association is 
ardently tendered to these generous friends, for their interest in 
and appreciation of the object that was uppermost in our hearts. 

Our duty has been performed. With the close of the Rebel- 
lion we relinquished all animosities engendered by the war. 
Victory was with the right, and now in fraternal unison we clasp 
our erring brethren by the hand and join in mutual loyalty to 
the reconstructed Republic, — "one Flag and one Country." 

For two successive years have we visited the Mecca of Ameri- 
can valor, there to commemorate the heroism and patriotism 
of our fallen comrades, and the valor of living heroes. That 
mission is now complete, and we look forward to other localities 
for our annual tour, where we can renew the same fraternal spirit 
and pleasurable emotions that have characterized our pilgrimages 
of 1888-89. 



106 



rpt^G )\linetiGib's ^oarisis. 



The following comrades ])aitici])ate(l in this most enjoyable 
jaunt : 

A. J. Sellers, President. 



Sergt. Johnson Roney, V. Pres. 
William W. Mayberry, R. Sec'y. 

Capt. (ieorge W. Watson. 
Corp. A. M. Tlieiss. 
Sergt. Benjamin II. Tyre. 
John Stulen. Jr. 
Augustus H. Suuermaii. 
William H. Siner. 
John A. Sergeant. 
Sergt. John Rohson. 
George F. Peall. 
D. J. McAllister. 
Sergt. C'has. C McCormick. 
Eduard Miller. 
Jose])h iMiles. 
Sergt. Richard W. ^hirris. 
John (!. Levick. 
William 1). T,.liir. 



Josepli (r. Patterson. Treas. 
Capt. S. B. Roney, F. Sec'y. 

Samuel Harkuess. 

Carl A. V. Hartleben. 

James J. Hughes. 

Lieut. William II. Ilewlings. 

Corp. Thomas H. (iardner. 

W. B. (Jeiyer. 

Capt. Jolni S. Davis. 

Cai)t. Wm. P. Davis. 

M. V. B. Davis. 

George W. Devinny. 

Com. Sergt. Wm. H. ('rouse. 

J. Emory Byram. left Gen'l Guide 

Sergt. Thomas E. Berger. 

Lieut. Hillary Beyer. 

Henrv S. Allchangh. 



The trip was made dou])ly interesting because of our Auxil- 
iary Corps, which included the following guests and friends — 
who all, more or less, contributed to the enjoyment of the occa- 
sion : 

Rev. Dr. Wm. Aikman. of Atlantic Citv. N. J.: Mr. Horatio S. 



lOT 

Howell, sou of our late Chaplain, aud Mr. C. R. Mackeuzie, of the 
B. & O. R. R. 

Tlie Germantown contingent. — Horace McCaun, Esq., Editor of 
the Germantown Independent, aud wife ; Mr. Myers Hamilton, Mr. 
Jas. Taylor, Mr. Francis Taylor, Mr. Elias Cox, Mr. Daniel T. Idell, 
Mr. T. R. Beyer, Mrs. Hillary Beyer and her hrother. Comrade Jacol) 
Raymond of Post 3, G. A. R. 

Brevet Comrade Solomon May, the OOth's old stand-by in mauy 
a trying time ; Comrade Theodore Leidig, of the 4th N. Y. Cavalry ; 
Comrades Wm. G. Mason and Elijah Cuudey (the twins), of the 71st 
P. v., aud Thos. L. Golcher ; Mr. Wm. Genther, Mr. Harry Tyre, 
Mr. John N. Harkuess, Mr. J. S. North and wife, Mr. John Brooke, 
Comrade Wm. P. Parker, of the 85th O. V., and wife, Mr. Chas. R. 
Wildey and wife, Mrs. William H. Siner, Mrs. D. J. McAllister, of 
New York city, Mrs. Johnson Roney, Mrs. William D. Lelar, Mrs. 
J. Emory Byrara and her friend Miss A. M. Eugelman, Miss Maud E. 
Patterson, Mrs. Geo. W. Devinny, Mrs. M. V. B. Davis, Mrs. E. A. 
Ashmead, Miss Alden, Mrs. A. H. Sauerman, Mrs. Charles C. Mc- 
Cormick, Mrs. William H. Crouse, Miss Sadie Billman Mrs. John 
Robsou, Sergt. Isaac P. Nixon of the 1st Del. V., Mr. Charles W. 
Mingle and wife, Miss Harriet Wildey, Miss Lillie L. Siner, Masters 
Robert M. White, Benjamin Miles and Frank M. McAllister of New 
York city, son of Major D. J. McAllister, Ass't Inspector, Depart- 
ment of New York, G. A. R. 




108 



i86i 



)^inGtiG+l7 I^G|imenV**lnfan!ry, 

Q peQosyluar^ia l/oluQteers. >J< 1864 



Volunteered April Ifitli, 1861 ; accepted as the 19th Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, upon the first call of the President of the United 
States for three months' troops. Disdiarged August 9th, 1801. 

Reorganized and accepted hy tlie War Department, September Hd, 
1861, for three years, unless sooner discharged. Mustered out Novem- 
ber 2Gth. 1864. 

PARTICIPATED IN THE FOUUOOJINC BATTUES: 



CEDAR MOUNTAIN. 

THOROUGHFARE GAP. 
CHANTILLY. 
ANTIETAM. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE. 
MINE RUN. 
Sl'OTTSYLVANIA. 

TOLOPOTOMY. 

PETERSP.URG. 



RAPPAHANNOCK STATION 

SECOND BULL RUN. 

SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 
FREDERICKSBURG. 

GETTYSBURG. 

WILDERNESS. 
NORTH ANNA. 

BETHESDA CHURCH. 

WELDON RAILROAD. 



OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATIOH. 
A. J. Sellers, President. 



Jacob M Davis, Vice President. 
Samuel B. Roney, Secretary. 



Johnson Roney, Vice President 
Jos. G. Pattekson, Treasvirer. 



Jos. G. Patterson, Treas. 
M. V. B. Davis. 



S. B. RoNEV, Scc'y. 
John T. Dijkano. 
Anthony Morin. 



Finance Coitnnittee. 

Jacob M. Davis, Chairman. 

Chas. p. Talley. 

Wm. H Ckouse. 

Monument Committee. 
Hillary Beyer, Chairman. 
Chas. P. Talley. 
Thos. E. Berger. 
Wm. H Crouse; 
M V. B. Davis. 



Hillary Beyer. 
.iiNsoN Roney. 




Committee to co-operate with State Commissioners. 

A. J. Sellers, Chairman. 

Wm. W. Maviieury, Scc'y, Chas. McKinlev. Jos. G. Patterson, Treas. 

David V. Weaver, (deceased.) 



109 



EnmllGcl MGmbGrsl7ip. 



H. S. Allebaugh. 
Theo. Ackley. 
Wm. S. Allen. 
James C. Adams. 
D. T. Arnold. 
Hillary Beyer. 
George Beck. 
J. Emory Byram. 
John C. Bowen. 
Henry B. Bonfield. 
Benj. F. Bond. 
Franklin T. Beerer. 
Charles Breyer. 
Henry J. Bockius. 
John Brodhead. 
Kirk Brown. 
Wm. H. Crouse. 
Hudson B. Calvert. 
Frank A. Chadwick, 
William Clay. 
Peter Crawfotd. 
Christ. C. ••ouch. 
Bowen M. Cave. 
Jesse W. Comfort. 
John T. Durang. 
M. V. B. Davis. 
William P. Davis. 
F. P. Donohue. 
Daniel Darragh. 



Fred. Gentner. 
Louis Goery. 
P. A. Graham. 
W. B. Geiyer. 
Thomas H. Gardner. 
David Hughes. 
John Howell. 
G. W. Hunterson. 
James Hughes. 
Joseph Houser. 
John A. Harris. 
Geo. M. Hughes. 
C. A. Von Hartleben. 
Wm. Henderson. 
Sam'l Harkness, .Tr. 
James Halfpenny. 
James Heiter. 
Wm. H. Hulings. 
James F. Hefley. 
James J. Hasson. 
A. C. Johnston. 
P. H. Jacobus. 
Jacob Jacobs. 
Philip Jackson. 
Sam'l Jackaway. 
Chas. King. 
Philip Kalavur. 
Jolin Logue. 
Geo. W. Liggins. 



Jos. G. Patterson. 
Josiah Pancoast. 
Wm. H. Paul. 
James G. Patterson. 
Wm. K. Paul. 
George W. Potts. 
George F. Peall. 
George PeifFer. 
Alex. Reed. 
Sam'l B. Roney. 
Nathan Raymond. 
Johnson Roney. 
Peter Rementer. 
John Robson. 
A. T. Rottenbury. 
Chas. F. Simmons. 
John A. Sergeant. 
A. J. Sellers. 
John Shiels. 
Angus. Stillknecht. 
William H. Siner. 
Geo. Singlewood. 
Augus. Sauerman. 
Jacob W. Sherer. 
Kline Smith. 
John Stnlen, Jr. 
*J. R. Shreve, M. D. 
Wm. B. Strang. 
Charles P. Talley. 



Geo. B. Dellavcn. 
Geo. W. Dcvinny. 
Geo. W. Dennis. 
John S. Davis. 
Jacob M. Davis. 
Jeff. Davis. 
Robert J. Earlev. 
James J. Edmonds 
Thimias F. Fenlin. 
John S. French. 
George Flake. 
William Flake. 
Edward W. Ferry. 
Edward J. Gorgas. 
Wm. C. Gibson. 
Frank M. Grubb. 
Joseph C. Gouldy. 
Wm. II. Gallup.. 
Christ. Gossman. 
John A. Gorgas. 
*Fred. Gerker. 



110 

Wm. D. Lelar. 
W. G. Large. 
John C. Levick. 
Rich'd AV. ]\[orris. 
A. jNIorin. 

Wm. W. ]Mayl)erry. 
Edward Megary. 
Ira F. -Murjihy. 
James M. Moore. 
Kirk ^larple. 
Joseph Miles. 
Eduard Miller. 
Jas. Maguire. 

C. C. McCormick. 
Chas. McKinley. 
Ed. P. Mclntyre. 
*John Mclntj're. 

D. J. McAllister. 
J. McCoy. 

R. P. Northrup. 
Wm. O'Keefe. 

*De(EASEI>. 



r.cnj. II. Tyro. 
Wm. A. Turner. 
Jos. H. Topham. 
A. M. Theiss. 
Uriah Transue. 
Geo. P. Tracy, M. D. 
* David P. Weaver. 
Wm. Weiseisen. 
Wm. H. Warner. 
John II. Wheaton. 
Wm. S. Wismer. 
George Wagner. 
Geo. W. Watson. 
William Wood. 
John Warden. 
J. Henry While. 
Robert H. Weeks. 
Geo. W. Wilson. 
11. E. Walker. 
Martin Walters. 




Ill 



[SELECTED.] 

YOU PUT NO FLOWERS ON MY PAPA'S GRAVE. 

C. E. L. HOLMES. 

With sable-draped banners, and slow measured tread, 
The flower-laden ranks pass the gates of the dead ; 
And seeking each mound whei-e a comrade's form rests, 
Leave tear-bedewed garlands to bloom on his breast. 

Ended at last is the labor of love ; 
Once more through the gateway the saddened lines move- 
A wailing of anguish, a sobbing of grief. 
Falls low on the ear of the battle-scarred chief; 
Close crouched by the portals, a sunny-haired child 
Besought him in accents which grief rendered wild. 

"Oh ! sir, he was good, and they say he died brave— 
AVhy ! why ! did you pass my dear papa's grave? 
I know he was poor, but as kind and as true 
As ever marched into the battle with you — 
His grave is so humble, no stone marks the spot. 
You may not have seen it. Oh, say you did not ! 
For my poor heart will break if you knew he was there. 
And thought him too lowly your offerings to share. 
He didn't die lowly — he poured his heart's blood. 
In rich crimson streams, from the top-crowning sod 
Of the breastworks which stood in front of the fight — 
And died sliouting, 'Onward ! for God and the right !' 
O'er all his dead comrades your bright garlands wave. 
But you haven't put one on my papa's grave. 
If mamma were here — but she lies by his side, 
Her wearied heart broke when our dear papa died. 
This way, it is — here, sir — right under this tree ; 
They lie close together, with just room for me." 

" Halt ! Cover with roses each lowly green mound — 

A love pure as this makes these graves hallowed ground." 

"Oh ! thank you, kind sir! I ne'er can repaj^ 

The kindness j'ou've shown little Daisy today ; 

But I'll pray for you here, each day while I live, 

'Tis all that a poor soldier's orphan can give. 

I shall see papa soon, and dear mamma too — 

I dreamed so last night, and I know 'twill come true ; 

And they will both bless you, T know, when I say 

How you folded your arms around their dear one to day — 

How you cheered her sad heart, and soothed it to rest. 

And hushed its wild throbs on your strong, noble breast ; 

And when the kind angels sliall call ycm. to come. 

We'll welcome you there to our beautiful home. 

Where death never comes, his black banners to wave. 

And the beautiful flowers ne'er weep o'er a grave." 



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